Plumbing the depths of
her psyche, vocalist Elena Tonra reveals her innermost thoughts throughout
upcoming debut LP, ‘If You Leave’. With tales of doubt, insecurity, fear, anger
and loneliness, her smoky, emotive vocals pull at the heartstrings from the offset
and throughout.
Displaying a vocal
maturity way beyond her years, the complexity of sound Tonra creates is
emphasised exquisitely by band mates Igor & Remi.
Since starting in
2010, the musings of Elena and her fellow class-mate Igor have gained the London-based
trio a loyal following, with the early self release of ‘His Young Heart’. Several
months later and with the addition of Remi, the line up was complete and ‘The
Wild Youth’ EP was released.
Two years on,
Daughter release their album that for many, myself included seems a long time
coming but boy, it’s everything I hoped and more.
Recorded over a period
of months at home and in various spaces across London, ‘If You Leave’ is not so
much a statement of intent, but more a snapshot of a year in Daughter’s short life.
It’s a bold first move for an act still in its infancy yet it’s an act that is
sure to set Daughter apart.
Enthralling the
listener from the off with the hauntingly beautiful and intricate interplay
between vocals, guitar and percussion, Daughter’s album proves it was certainly
worth the wait, with an album like this, there’s no need to rush.
Teaming Igor’s stark,
icy guitar, Remi’s minimalistic percussive beats and Elena’s smoke-tinged
whispered vocals, ‘If You Leave’ is the closest thing to sublime serenity 2013
has seen so far.
There are many highlights, yet the re-mastered
‘Youth’ is a spine tingling moment, showcasing the very best of ‘Daughter’.
With its ghostly instrumentals and poignant vocals, laced with subtle reverb,
the song builds to a climax and ends with the ever powerful and lingering
lyrics;
‘And if you’re in love, then you are the lucky one, ‘cause most of us
are bitter over someone, setting fire to our insides for fun, to distract our
hearts from ever missing them, but I am forever missing him’.
The sublime
instrumental opening of recent single ‘Still’, follows. A sentimental song
casting light on a couple’s broken relationship; a simply stunning and vivdly
affecting song.
In contrast, the
choppy, energetic and somewhat anthemic character of ‘Human’ is once more, a stand out
track that sees Tonra step out of her trademark anguished whispers.
However, it’s soon
back to the sound we fell in love with all those years ago, with ‘Amsterdam’,
another sombre track displaying the stark simplicity of Daughter’s sound. A
sublime one at that.
Unfortunately, it’s here
the album ends,with exultant closer ‘Shallows’ leaving you wanting more. Overall, for me, an avid,
long-time supporter, there are no complaints.
The week of release
will see Elena, Remi & Igor embark on a string of shows including many free
in-store shows including Brighton, London, Cardiff and Bristol. Be sure not to
miss out, for this one is certainly going to be one to hold onto. Catch them whilst you can.
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