Daughter: Not To Disappear - review

Artist: Daughter
Release Date: 15 January 2016
Genre: Alternative, indie

Last year I absolutely fell in love with Daughter's debut album 'If You Leave' after finding it in a charity shop for 50p, and it has been one of my go-to albums for when I'm doing work (along with Troye Sivan's Blue Neighbourhood). When I discovered a new album was being released this year I was ecstatic, but I haven't had a chance to properly listen until recently.

My first observation upon listening was that 'Not To Disappear' is remarkably similar to their first album - almost too similar - and for the first couple of songs I was a little disheartened. The guitar riffs and chord sequences echo 'If You Leave' in large amounts; however, as the album progresses, its individuality really begins to shine through.

As ever, the lyrics throughout the album are packed with raw emotion, and Elena Tonra's vocals deliver them with an incredibly haunted, yet enchanted feel - 'Mothers' is an appropriate example of this. In contrast, 'No Care' presents a unique sound for Daughter with an energetic tempo and syllabic vocals, and the use of instruments are distinctly unlike their other tracks.

Whilst 'Not To Disappear' still presents the kind of misery that only Daughter do best, this album radiates a purer darkness than before; perhaps it is the vehement lyrics, or the heavy use of synthesiser as featured on 'Numbers'. It should be hugely depressing, but instead manages to be relatable as it echoes vulnerability and desolation.

Overall, 'Not To Disappear' is a wildly enjoyable listen from start to finish; it perfectly encapsulates Daughter's established elegance whilst simultaneously dripping with anguish and melancholy. It is clear to see that they have evolved pleasantly with a more sophisticated and experimental style, which paints an optimistic and exciting image for Daughter's future.