Daughter Makes Dreamy Music Set To Real Lyrics

Daughter

Daughter is one of the newer band to join the ranks of the 4AD label, and, given their atmospheric, moody music, it is easy to see why.  Just like This Mortal Coil and others on the same label, they make sweeping and commanding textures of sounds.  But what sets them apart are the very human lyrics penned by singer, Elena Tonra.  It is a an interesting juxtaposition to combine these almost magical and ethereal tones with lyrics that seem almost mundane.

Take the lyrics to the song "Alone/ With You".  Set to a hypnotic, strobe-like trip hop beat to words like:

"I hate living with you

I should get a dog or something

I hate walking with you

Talking to myself is boring conversation

You and I were once friends

Now you're only an acquaintance"

But that is the genius of this band.  They take otherwordly dream pop and combine them with completely relatable lyrics.

Based out of London, Tonra was a solo performer when she met Swiss musician, Igor Haefeli, and, along with Remi Aguilella, formed the band Daughter.  "Not To Disappear", released earlier this year, is their second effort, and what an effort.  Part of the success of their efforts is that Tonra and Haefeli are able to keep their private relationship separate from their professional careers.  Especially when it comes to Tonra's intensely personal lyrics.  Tonra told the Irish Examiner, "Igor doesn’t question my lyrics. He regards what we do as an art form. He certainly doesn’t try to rewrite my words. I never tell anyone what my songs are about, not even him. I feel they are direct enough, anyway. They aren’t especially obscure"

Not To Disappear

The album starts with "New Ways" that starts with placid tones with Tonra's gentle voice wavering across the landscape, and then it starts adding layer upon layer, like a tide rolling in until the surf is crashing onto the rocks with such intensity.  "Numbers" continues with the chimerical energy, and "Doing the Right Thing" will make you weep.  One of my favorite tracks, it strips down each component to its own element.  A voice set to a lonely synth, a voice set only to a bass guitar.  Separating each part creates a dreamy, gestalten feel to the music.  "How", by contrast, smears all of the instruments together to make a shoegazey, melange of noise.  "No Care" combines a bass guitar with a drum & bass rhythm, and Tonra belts out the lyrics angrily.  "Fossa" starts out singular yet ends in a jumbled swath of noise.

I have always appreciated 4AD for picking music that is outside of the norm, music that has artistic merit rather than commercial value.  This is definitely the case with Daughter.  Their combination of ethereal with real makes them a legitimate choice for new music.  I high recommend this album.  This is some of the most moving and beautiful music that you will ever hear.  I can't wait to see what they do next.