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‘If You Leave’ is the new album from the English indie-folk band ‘Daughter’, offering a haunting compilation of tracks moulded together with a tone of pain and suffering.
Frontwoman Elena Tonra’s beautiful raspy voice flows across the whole album slowly and peacefully, opening with the tranquil single ‘Winter’, which is incredibly apt this endless cold we have so far experienced in 2013. As the track continues it becomes stronger and more powerful. Like many tracks on the album, the song is emotionally effective and you’ll find yourself sympathising with the lyrics that are flooded with heartbreak.
The contemplative second single 'Smother' creates the feeling of hopelessness and obsession after the end of a relationship, as Elena’s wistful vocals draw you into to a hypnotic state. Plus, the poetic lyrics of love and loss can be recognized by almost every listener in one respect or another. The group plays on the feeling of regret and how it can ‘Smother’ you, using bitter dramatic words. These are echoed in ‘Youth’, as the riveting feelings of despair vibrate through you, intensified by the haunting violins bowing against the deep melodies.
The track ‘Lifeforms’ draws the album darker with Elena contemplating an unexpected pregnancy, abortion and the ultimate sense of abandonment, via the lyrics ‘you’ll always find another womb to grow’ and ‘find the children lost at sea’ – you would have to be robotic not to feel affected by this compilation of hardened tales of loss. Plus, Elena’s lyrics are strengthened by Igor and Remi’s progressive drawn out chords, plucky strings and theatrical rolling drum beats. ‘Human’ emits folkier melodies, with focus on the guitar riffs and a more upbeat, fast paced rhythm, although the unapologetic lyrics still penetrate through.
Overall, this brilliantly poignant and riveting album leaves you reflecting quietly with your own hurt and heartbreak, but through a sense of nostalgia. A meaningful collection of tracks; a record that stays firmly in your mind and makes you both think and feel.
