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PRESS CUTTINGS AND REVIEWS

"I have a thing about acoustic music. Most of the time it is either over-earnest, I-just-might-kill-myself singer songwriters or anachronistic folkies trying to sustain a dying musical form. The Haiku from Trowbridge in Wiltshire are different. Their brand of 'Anti-Folk' shows that you don't need to be plugged in to rock. After far too long, the band have released their debut album and it does not disappoint.

Opening track on the album 'Drink It Away' doesn't start promisingly with what seems like a typical acoustic style guitar riff. Once the drums kick in however the track turns into a strident, down-beat tale of drinking to numb the pain of loss.

The climactic cymbal roll of the opener then segues neatly into 'Nerves On A Pin' that proves just how loud the band can get. The pounding drum line including flamenco style handclaps drives forward the angst ridden song. This is the true calling card of the band and shows how far they can stray from the aforementioned earnestness.

The undoubted highlight of the album is 'The News Is: The World Sucks'. It's a jaunty tune that still manages to have a pertinent message for the modern age. The chorus starts 'The asshole rules the world and the nice guy doesn't bother' which is a phrase to live by in the modern climate of apathy and powerlessness. It's an anthemic sing-a-long track that has provided the band with their T-shirts which read 'The Asshole Rules The World'

'Sleazy Pop Song' does exactly what it says on the tin. A loopy, repetitive guitar riff drives forward a track dealing with trying to persuade a girl into bed. After the cheeky tone of 'The News Is...' this is the true apex of the bands humour.

All this is not to say that there is not something to enjoy for those who prefer the more traditional acoustic ballad style. 'Escape - Part 2 (Yours)', 'Throwaway' and 'Freewheelin'' all have that flavour. 'Throwaway' even includes a mouth organ solo.

Over all this is an album that succeeds from multiple angles. There is enough here to satisfy the 'traditionalist' fans who go in for acoustic music and also the 'indie' fans who like rock music with a bit of edge. The tongue-in-cheek moments on the album are just cherries on the cake.

'Fan The Flames' and the bands 2007 EP 'Not Enough People Are Wearing Hats' are both available direct from the bands website and iTunes.

By Colin Gazeley – Ourobouros Podcast"

Fan The Flames review from Noize Makes Enemies - Link

"When you first listen to The Haiku, you notice their flare for telling a tale through song, a rarity in this day and age.

This album is a must if you are in to The Goo Goo Dolls or Ben Folds Five to name a few from a long list of similar styles. It consists of 11 carefully crafted works of art and one dodgy track called "Escape", The vocals on this track seem a little rushed.

My absolute out and out favourite on this album has to be a track called "Control" (Taking Control), this track ticks all the boxes, This should definitely be included if considering sending any work off to record companies.

We must not forget the very political "News" (The News Is: The World Sucks) although telling a true account of the situation in Iraq and the dominance of the USA over Europe."

Fan The Flames review by MutedPie.com - Link

"Most of you reading this will know that The Haiku formed from the ashes of splendid hippified popsters Harvey, well known for their sometimes eccentric approach to musicmaking. So, heres a new line up - which has been slimmed down to a simple guitar (Phil) and drums (Bert) duo and has been rather amusingly described as a mix of folk and emo. Anyway, the cd kicks off with The News Is: The World Sucks. Although it blatantly nicks the riff from Travis Tied To The Nineties we wont hold that against them as its a great track, full of bounce, vigour and a truly memorable chorus. The asshole rules the world and the nice guy doesnt bother cause he knows hell only finish last. All in all, a good start.

Drink It Away has more of an early Del Amitri sound to it and is a great deal more subtle than its predecessor. There are a few niggles towards the end as Phils vocals do tend to struggle with the higher notes but again you cannot deny that the bloke can write a decent tune, even if his voice isnt always up to it! From This Chair follows, which is a quirky little beatlesesque ditty that could have been lifted straight from The White Album sessions. The track is peppered with bursts of kazoo, trademark Ringo Starr drum fills and barely lasts two minutes. Brilliant, and a real personal highlight. Sunshine Follows Rain is a Phil only track and is a pleasant enough ballad and although it doesnt set the world on fire, its still ok. Closing the cd is Escape Part 2, more of the heartfelt swooning indiepop that Phil seems to be able to churn out in his sleep, using double tracked vocals to great effect.

When you sit down to review a cd by a two piece band, theres always an immediate concern about lack of depth but thats not remotely present here as the tunes are clearly strong enough to stand up by themselves. As from their Harvey days, the songwriting (in particular the choruses, which are excellent) is still of a very high quality and the injection of tongue in cheek humour on a few of the tracks always helps. On reflection, this is a great little ep, well worth a few quid of anyones money and a reminder to all that the popsong is king and always will be. All hail the popsong!"

Review of "Man Make Fire" by Kev Sibley

"So, here we are. Following the break up of Harvey comes The Haiku, but this is the antidote to the former; full of spite and grit rather than the lustful theme of old. Over the course of the 5 tracks, Phil Cooper snarls his way through various lyrical subjects such as assholes, drink and interfering do-gooders with nods towards Frank Turners honest naked guile and Becks more serene moments, typified on the inclusion of a kazoo on From this Chair. But its the more quiet moments that peak this EP, such as penultimate track Sunshine Follows Rain, with its lustful and yearning refrain. Though Man Make Fire does occasionally become a touch insipid in pace, and the lyrical element often boarders on being uncomfortable at times, the antonym of these negative criticisms is that this EP certainly has character, and is an interesting listen as many ideas are explored, if not all fully convicted. Man Make Fire is a bold and eloquent, and though it wont bowl anyone over with amazement, it is a welcome break from the cliques and conventions that plague music."

Review of "Man Make Fire" by Eddie Golby

" Crossing the line is easy when you can't see "