“Bleach as an overall album is incredible, it has slowed down tracks & the raunchy, flirty tracks that I feel will be fan-favourites” - Haiden Henderson - Bleach - Album Review - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Review: Grace Wearn

Photography credit to owner.

Haiden Henderson Bleach Album Review

Haiden Henderson, the Bleach-blonde Californian taking the world by storm. 

My introduction to Haiden came through TikTok, where a teaser of his track ‘Freak For You’ very quickly grew arms and legs of its own, taking the internet by storm and landing on my ‘For You’ page. I made a mental note to check out his music, as I enjoyed the teaser of the song played. - Little did I know that, not long after, he’d be announced as one of the support acts for 5 Seconds Of Summer's Worldwide Tour. 

Fast forward to after his support slot at their London show, and I bumped into him by complete accident when I was on my way to grab a drink. What an incredible eye-opener I can imagine for Haiden - going from ‘Freak For You’ taking the internet by storm months earlier to a support slot on an Worldwide Arena Tour - insanely good. I took the opportunity then to congratulate him on his incredible set and welcome him to the UK. 

Now to get into the nitty-gritty album review. Bleach as an overall album is just incredible, it has slowed down tracks but also the raunchy, flirty tracks that I feel will become fan favourites when the album is released.

‘Dumblond’ is a strong start to the album. I’m obsessed with the orchestral backing woven into the introduction and carried throughout the track, especially the violin, which feels so unexpected but equally works so well. The slower sections that build back into a faster tempo, almost feel as though a nod to 5 Seconds Of Summer’s ‘Evolve’, especially with Haiden stating previously that 5SOS were one of the reasons he initially learned how to play guitar. There’s an almost club-like feel and energy to the track yet it’s flirtier and has an edge to it. I can absolutely see this track being played in a UK club. Great introduction to the album. ‘Be Your Girl’ feels almost like a raunchier take, drawing inspiration perhaps to the Jonas Brothers, with Haiden’s vocals giving me hints of similarity to Shawn Mendes. As the track unravels towards the chorus, I’m reminded of Jet’s ‘Do You Wanna Be My Girl’, bringing that infectious, guitar-driven energy that feels as though it’s made to be played live. I have a feeling this track will be as incredible live as it is on the album.

‘Where Are We Running From’ keeps the momentum strong as the album’s third track. It’s one of those incredibly catchy songs that has quickly cemented it to being one of my personal favourites from the album. The combination of Haiden’s stunning vocal harmonies paired with the more stripped back acoustic guitar, it works so A beautifully. ‘NSFW’ introduces a sexier side to the album, with raspier and whispered vocals, that gives the track an entirely different energy; I think this track will be a fan favourite. The album has a bass-heavy sound which I love, offering a small taste of the extraordinary talent of his touring bassist and guitarist, Bella Perron. The shift into the heavier, rockier tone around the one-minute-and-ten-seconds into the track and pulling back into more stripped-back, absolute magic. ‘The Show’ once again showcases Haiden’s impressive harmonies, leaning into pop influence. Moving into ‘How You Like It’, the introduction I feel is definitely influenced by Justin Timberlake. I feel as though these influences can be heard in other moments within the album too, adding that edge to Haiden’s sound and really highlighting the musical styles he draws inspiration from. and I feel you can hear more of this throughout the album as well. 

‘Hate This Song’ brings a rockier edge to the album, with sections that remind me of Sam Fender’ music. The bass-heavy sound continues to be a personal favourite for me and a highlight. ‘Kick My Ass’ is the first track on the album that strips everything back to an acoustic guitar led sound. ‘Domino’ opens with the bass line similar to 5SOS’ track ‘No Shame’. Despite familiarity about the introduction, the track has its own emotional pull and that edge, particularly through the lyrics “you make me feel so lonely”. To me, it captures that complicated feeling of struggling to let go of someone.

‘Freak For You’ is the track that helped Haiden gain more traction on TikTok ahead of the 5SOS tour, and the harmonies and bass are as incredible on the studio track version as they were live. It’s one of my favourites on the album and a simply perfect example of the power of social media in introducing artists and bands to new audiences. ‘What A Time To Be Young’ feels like a blend of 5SOS influence crossed with Avril Lavigne, adding a rockier and sexier edge to the album. I feel also hints of Panic! At The Disco, Death of a Bachelor era, again giving that theatrical edge of a layer to the track. Another solid favourite of mine.

Then comes ‘Landmine’ as another slower-paced track, however it feels almost more stripped back than some of the others. It reminds me of Justin Bieber’s Fall (Acoustic Version), with the softer focus on acoustic guitar. ‘Bleach’ instantly draws comparisons to Taylor Swift’s ‘Look What You Made Me Do’. There's also a layer of interpretation of whether it is the analogy of bleach damaging your hair, or perhaps a wider metaphor for heartbreak and damage that can be inflicted upon yourself, as a result of that. Again, another firm favourite of mine, from the album. 

Lastly comes ‘Big Fat Crush’, with Bella Perron absolutely shredding on bass. Certain moments remind me of ‘Barcelona’ by Ed Sheeran, whilst the guitar parts have a more summery feel - almost reminiscent of Passion Pit. I feel it gives a fun combination drawn from influences that gives the track its own stand out personality.

Bleach by Haiden Henderson, is out now.