Review of Never Have I Ever by Gareth Haze – A Triumph of Grief, Healing, and Resilience

Gareth Haze’s Never Have I Ever is a rare gem in the music world, a song that seamlessly blends raw emotion with infectious energy, turning personal grief into a powerful message of hope and renewal. For many, music serves as a form of therapy, and Haze’s latest release does just that—offering both an escape and a way to process pain. It’s a track that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is room for joy, love, and celebration.

Written in 2023, Never Have I Ever was born out of Gareth Haze’s own experience of loss, after the passing of his father to cancer. As someone who has recently experienced the painful loss of a loved one, I found the track’s upbeat folk-rock anthem unexpectedly healing. There’s something about its lively, energetic melody that cuts through the heaviness of grief, providing a much-needed space for reflection and release.

What makes this song even more impactful is Gareth’s vulnerability and honesty in channeling his sorrow into something so vibrant. There’s a raw honesty beneath every beat, and that sense of authenticity is what makes the track resonate deeply. Gareth’s ability to transform such profound grief into a song that bursts with energy is nothing short of remarkable. His strength in doing so speaks to the universal nature of loss—the fact that we all must find a way to move forward, carrying our memories with us while embracing the possibilities ahead.

Never Have I Ever is made even more personal through the fact that Gareth played every instrument on the track himself. As a multi-instrumentalist, Gareth took on the challenge of recording all the parts—guitar, bass, drums, piano—pouring his emotions into each note. This self-produced effort elevates the song, as the rawness of his musicianship mirrors the sincerity of the lyrics. His performance is intimate, making it feel like he’s speaking directly to us, sharing his grief, joy, and healing process in real-time.

The track’s energy is undeniably infectious, thanks to the dynamic fusion of folk, rock, and Americana influences. Yet, it’s also underpinned by deep reflection, as the lyrics explore themes of loss, remembrance, and resilience. While the song’s upbeat rhythm encourages movement and dance, its heartfelt message encourages us to reflect on the memories we hold dear.

In addition to Gareth’s impressive musical talent, Never Have I Ever features a collaboration with his brother, renowned rocker Mark Haze. Despite being based in different continents—Gareth in London and Mark in South Africa—the brothers found a way to create together remotely. Their shared musical heritage and deep bond shine through in this track, adding another layer of emotional depth to the already powerful narrative. This collaboration underscores the theme of connection that runs throughout the song, proving that even in times of distance and loss, family ties remain unbroken.

What makes Never Have I Ever stand out is how it redefines the sound of grief. Too often, songs about loss focus solely on sorrow, but Gareth’s track embraces both the pain and the joy that coexist in the wake of losing someone. It’s not a song about wallowing in sadness, but rather about celebrating the love, memories, and moments that continue to live on after someone is gone.

Never Have I Ever encourages us to hold onto the good times, to honor the past, and to look ahead to the future with hope. It’s a reminder that, even though someone may no longer be physically present, their memory endures in the lives we lead and the music we create.

Never Have I Ever is a triumph for Gareth Haze, a deeply personal and cathartic expression of grief, healing, and resilience. The track’s combination of infectious energy, intimate musicianship, and poignant lyrics makes it not just a song, but an experience. Gareth’s ability to turn his sorrow into something uplifting and celebratory is an inspiration to anyone who has navigated the complexities of loss.

Fans can look forward to more from Gareth Haze as he continues to evolve as an artist, with additional singles and potential EPs in the works. If Never Have I Ever is any indication, it’s clear that his journey through grief has only strengthened his voice, making his music all the more powerful and meaningful.