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haven

British indie foursome Haven actually formed in Cornwall in the southwest of England before relocating to Manchester in 1999. Having already attracted the attention of former Smiths manager Joe Moss, they subsequently received the patronage of the band's former guitarist, Johnny Marr, as well. Featuring vocalist Gary Briggs, guitarist Nat Wason, bassist Iwan Gronow, and drummer Jack Mitchell, Haven jokingly named themselves after a local holiday camp before realizing that the moniker was an accurate reflection of the solace their music provided them with. The four had been jamming and playing live in their native region before Moss discovered them. After moving north, the band began a residency at the city's famed Night & Day club, as well as supporting Marr's band the Healers and Badly Drawn Boy. Signing to indie label Radiate, Haven released their debut EP, Til the End, in early 2001 to rave reviews. After more touring, the single "Beautiful Thing" emerged in July to further critical plaudits. Their second single, "Let It Live," was the first fruit of the Johnny Marr-produced recording sessions for their debut album. A debut full-length Between the Senses appeared in early 2002 as well as an American deal with Virgin. Stateside fans finally got a taste of Haven in October 2002 when Between the Senses was released in the U.S. ~ Simon P. Ward, Rovi

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