Them 9’s — The one that got away

Over the past few years, although riding on the cusp of success, some indie bands have fallen out of popularity. Fallen heroes include: Smith Westerns, Vinyl Thief, The Virgins, Viola Beach.

To indie music’s detriment, such indie bands can only go so far until they become what Imagine Dragons (gasp!) is today. In other words, release studio album: Evolve (2017) composed by seven different producers, killing any remaining hope of originality that was so sacredly preserved in Night Visions (2012). You either die an indie hero or live long enough to become the mainstream villain, that’s what they say right? Nonetheless, one indie hero that never quite caught our attention is Them 9’s.

Them 9’s was a three piece dream pop band based in Ballarat, Victoria Australia. Led by lead guitarist and vocalist, Josh Haire, alongside Daniel Marie as bassist and Jay Carey on the drums, the trio released its first two singles in 2013. ¹ I repeat, two. Singles.

Before you shut out Them 9’s like the Australian indie scene did in 2015, give the forgotten band a chance. Their rugged Bane’s World sound backed by a simple three piece beat offers not just a catchy tune but a relic of undiscovered indie pop.

Drunk: 

“Drunk,” clutching onto the hope and dreams of Them 9’s, spells out all that is needed for a hit debut single. Beginning with a steady two chord progression reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s iconic A – A# Purple Haze intro (as I romantically transpose), Haire pleads, “and if you leave, then [he’ll] be drunk.” Building and tapering off, chanting his sorrow of never being the one, at 2:05 Josh finally lets go, unleashing the zenith of Them 9’s with line, “Seek love and be free.” Relaxed and soft, Haire’s prime pitch is illuminated by his hopeful lyrics. Truly a song for the moment, “Drunk” is a pacemaker for the young romantic heart.

One year later in 2014, Them 9’s released Dreams, a whimsical dabble of synth reminiscent of Tame Impala (footnote: it’s a stretch, I know.). Dreams is where Them 9’s leaves us clinging to a grand finale of what could have been an incredible Dream Pop band.

Today, as far as we know, Haire has gone solo under the name T. J Ferrari (R.I.P.) on SoundCloud, still releasing ambient tunes with repetitive soft undertones and his same familiar soulful voice. Unable to reach the legacy of “Drunk” and “Dreams,” Ferrari continues his same style with a far less memorable sound. His re-branding and change of sentiment, though distasteful, should not take away from what Drunk and Dreams left up to the imagination.

Written by Benjamin Micallef

1. Them 9’s was previously a two piece blues rock group featuring Josh Haire and drummer “Gaz” of https://soundcloud.com/yachtclubdjsmusic Yacht Club DJs and released single: Regular Touch.