With just two songs to their name released in the past six months, indie-pop duo HAHA has already shown immense promise through pristine production and can’t-help-but-dance rhythms via Flower Moon Records.
Contrary to HAHA’s infancy, both Maria Taylor and Mike Bloom are anything but new to the music industry. Taylor, in particular, is best known for her solo material and being one half of Azure Ray, which formed back in 2001. She also owns Flower Moon Records, adding another feat to an already impressive career. As for Bloom, he’s operated behind the scenes, either producing or performing with artists such as Julian Casablancas and Jenny Lewis.
“Only Gets Better,” the duo’s first single from June, stuns as a synth-driven jam, to which Taylor said the track “made me want to take a long summer drive with the windows down.” However, true to their first release’s title, “No Promises” improves upon their already breezy synth formula and ventures onto the dance floor with its glossy, clean textures.
“No Promises,” in some ways, is a blast from the past that would’ve been a hit in the 80s. Taylor and Bloom’s bubblegum-pop duet blends into the instruments, sometimes fading into the background as the bassline and guitar take over the production. The dance beat has everything you could ever want from a track that aims to get people moving, with distinguished drummer Pete Thomas providing an extra punch to the song after previously working with HAHA on “Only Gets Better.”
Considering the only two songs released by HAHA vary in genre from one another, it might come as no surprise that the approaches to both tracks were appropriately different. “We had a slightly different approach with this one, taking each of our melodies and weaving them together, but also making sure to keep the retrospective aesthetic,” said Taylor.
However, the lyrics are the star of the show, creeping from under the surface of the 80s-inspired instrumental and reflecting Taylor and Bloom’s experience. “It’s about diving into beauty, while also exploring our tendency towards self-destructive behaviors, and navigating the ripples that are sure to follow,” said Bloom on the inspiration behind “No Promises.” If anything, HAHA most definitely dive into the beauty of their music and come out on the other side with enough substance to back up their sheen sound.
Words: David Sosa
“No Promises” by HAHA is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow them on Instagram and their website.
