Haven, 'All For a Reason' (Radiate) Released 22/03/04

Famous fans – who needs ‘em? Just ask anybody Michael Stipe has ever publicly expressed a fondness for: it’s a career kiss-of-death. Most music fans would expect Johnny Marr to be right on the money, however. The man who invented the 80s, sonically speaking, must have a good ear for an upcoming pop combo when he hears one, surely?

Well, yes and no. "All For a Reason", the second album from Cornish ex-pats Haven, now resident in (you guessed it) Manchester, has much to recommend it – good melodies, strong vocals from frontman Gary Briggs – but the overwhelming impression is one of missed opportunities and squandered potential. The fault, for my money, lies squarely at the door of Mr. Marr, who acts as producer on more than half of the album. He has airbrushed the sound to an almost Travis-like level of blandness, smoothing out the rough edges which might have given the songs the touch of character they need. Dave Eringa, who produces the remainder, is much more successful, especially on the dense, adventurous title track and the album’s strongest moment, "What Love Is". In these moments a band with passion and energy shines through. But sadly, for too long Haven are content to let their famous friend lead them up a blind alley.

 Listen to 'Getaway'