One of 2013's most hotly-tipped bands, Kathleen Prior is blown away by a Daughter's recent show at the Hackney Empire.
A sell out gig to their largest audience yet, walking on stage at Hackney Empire caused front lady Elena Tonra to exclaim “there’s so many of you”. Some 1,275 keen and trendy musos have flocked to see the trio, who are stood somewhat bewildered on stage.
Hiding beneath her thick black haircut – what can only be described as a ‘pudding bowl’ – Elena’s nerves were almost excruciating. Interludes are filled with self-declared awkwardness and admittance of inadequacies.
Their new track, another captivatingly atmospheric twist on folk, was sandwiched between an apology in advance in case it went wrong and an acknowledgement at the end for duff notes. Yet, it gave her and her partner, both onstage and off, a sense of fragility and of being endearingly overwhelmed.
In response, the crowd whoop encouragement, declare their love, giggled at their bashful quips. Then we are repeatedly stunned into silence as the first haunting notes of each song began.
Daughter’s sound is driven by melancholic beauty, underpinned with dark melodies and threatening basslines. At points, such as in ‘Love’, Guitarist Igor Haefeli uses a bow to create sirenic sounds, complemented by the use of strobe lighting. Recently joined drummer Remi Aguilella also exploits his dexterity, switching between drums, bass and keys, at times even from note to note. Though it is his booming bass drum and toms where his contribution is most acute.
Elena’s angular beauty and raven black hair work in symbiosis with her melancholy lyrics. She could give Sylvia Plath a run for her money, with her pessimistic judgement of love, “I want you so much, but I hate your guts” and of youth “most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs”.
It is the emotion in her voice which most enchants. Smoky and rich, yet elegant, it dances staccato over high notes, before oozing into a lower register. While her intermittent smiles and modest pride, brought an intimacy and added tenderness to her words.
Dubbed one of today’s most unique sounds, 2013 may be quite a year for Daughter. Frightened by their own talent, it seems that confidence alone will add gusto to what is already a stunning performance. In the midst of their sudden rise to notoriety, their timidity must surely be short lived.
Daughter are playing an instore at Rough Trade East on March 4th. Photo by Rob Ball
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