After the storm that swept over the country last week, it has become quite apparent that autumn is in full swing and that winter is fast approaching. In case you were looking for the soundtrack to fill your days with limited sunlight, cold mornings and candlelight, you might want to give Daughter a listen.
The English indie band were originally a solo project started by Elena Tonra in 2010, but by the end of the following year, she had been joined by drummer Remi Aguilella and guitarist Igor Haefeli.
With Haefeli on board, the sound changed somewhat, as steady rhythm and electronic effects replaced the acoustic guitar that has previously supported Tonra’s sincere vocals.
Two EPs released later that year, ‘His Young Heart’ and ‘The Wild Youth’, earned the band a steady following and ultimately a record deal with the respected UK record label 4AD in 2012. And in March 2013, they released their debut album, If You Leave, which won not only praise from their dedicated fans, but charted at number 16 in the UK and generally received good reviews.
Considering they’ve only been playing together for the past three years, Daughter have taken off with the ferocity of a storm, but then again, once you hear their music, you won’t be surprised. It is influenced by the likes of Björk and Florence and the Machine, while their more electronic songs have a hint of The XX. Yet, their haunting, sincere and compelling sound is entirely their own.
Their songs are enigmatic and catchy, while the lyrics can be pretty profound – for example in the song ‘Human’ in which Tonra melancholically sings: “Underneath this skin there’s a human … despite everything, I’m still human.’
Although, to be fair, there are also lyrics that are not quite as poetic, but rather paint a picture of a common heartbreak, such as in the song ‘Youth’ in which she sullenly remarks: “If you’re in love, then you are the lucky one/Cause most of us are bitter over someone.” However, considering the lead singer is only 23 years old, the lyrics are generally admirable and give a deeper meaning to the beautiful melodies.
Daughter have been touring the UK for the past few months and are now on a month-long tour of mainland Europe. On Friday they are revisiting Vega after playing Lille Vega in April earlier this year.
They will be supported by Danish indie sensation Broken Twin, a solo project by 24-year-old Majke Voss Romme, who has been praised for her live performances by big names such as NME and Rolling Stone.
Her music is inspired by the cold and harsh life in the Northern Hemisphere, and her velvety vocals and soft piano melodies are reminiscent of Feist and even Anthony and the Johnsons. When playing live, she is joined by violinist Nils Gröndahl, and together they create a unique musical experience.
Daughter supported by Broken Twin
Vega, Enghavevej 40, Cph V;
Friday 20:00;
Tickets: 240kr,
www.billetlugen.dk;
www.vega.dk
