Haven Finds Sanctuary In U.s. On Virgin

With specialty-radio support and natural cross-market appeal, U.K. rock act Haven's Virgin debut, Between the Senses (Aug. 27) is virtually guaranteed sanctuary on stateside shores.

The Cornwall-born quartet has massed an impressive, well-earned line of industry support since being discovered by original Smiths manager Joe Moss in 1998. After moving to the more urban Manchester and being introduced to ex-Smiths guitarist-turned-producer Johnny Marr, Haven quickly yielded a return on the investment with the set of songs that became Between the Senses, released in the U.K. Feb. 4 on Radiate/Virgin. Lead singer and song-writer Gary Briggs explains, "Everything came together so quickly; it was clearly inspirational. So many ideas were born in the studio. It was amazing to spend time feeling our way around the music and seeing where it would take us."

The collaboration spawned four well-received singles. "It was only a short matter of time before plans were cemented to formally introduce Haven in the U.S.," notes Jay Schatz, its stateside manager.

Haven's sound on Between the Senses is a partnership between the haunting falsetto of Briggs's voice and a steely, persistent guitar presence. The set balances rock ballads with a folk-like delivery. Briggs delivers soul-searching questions and angst-ridden regret on standout gems like "Let It Live," "Out of Reach," and "Say Something."

The U.S. version of the album will feature a remix of "Let It Live," the first U.S. single, and two tracks not available on the U.K. pressing.

Up next for Haven is a U.S. tour in September, following a run of U.K. summer festivals. Haven is managed by Joe Moss internationally and by Jay Schatz at Firsthand in North America. The band's booking agent is Jon Pleeter at the Agency Group. Haven's songs are published by Universal Music U.K.