Daughter began in 2010 as Elena Tonra’s solo acoustic project in North London. After early performances, she met guitarist Igor Haefeli at ICMP, and later added drummer Remi Aguilella, forming the trio we know today. Their self-released debut EP, His Young Heart (2011), followed by The Wild Youth, brought immediate attention for their haunting, atmospheric sound. Support from BBC’s Huw Stephens and a Maida Vale session cemented their early credibility.
If You Leave (2013) – The Breakout
Their debut LP If You Leave marked a leap. Released March 2013 under 4AD, it combined indie-folk with shoegaze textures and ethereal melodies Songs like “Youth” and “Smother” resonated deeply, earning critical praise and charting at No. 16 in the UK. The album also snagged the AIM Independent Album Award, signaling Daughter’s arrival.
Not To Disappear (2016) – Expansion & Intensification
Their 2016 sophomore album expanded their sound. It’s definitely our favorite. Darker tones, richer textures, and more electronic undercurrents . With singles like “Doing the Right Thing” and “Numbers,” it tackled themes of identity, memory, and emotional complexity.Critics praised its lyrical honesty and development from their debut , though some noted its melancholic intensity could feel overwhelming .
Music From Before The Storm (2017) – Soundtracking Emotion
Branching into soundtrack work, Daughter composed the haunting score for the video game Life Is Strange: Before the Storm. This largely instrumental record earned an Ivor Novello nomination and demonstrated their cinematic depth and compositional prowess.
Hiatus, Solo Work & Return
Post-2017, the band went on hiatus. Elena released her solo project Ex:Re, while the others pursued personal growth. After several years apart and across cities – with Elena in Portland and Igor in Bristol – they reunited to create their long-awaited third album
Stereo Mind Game (2023) – Distance, Connection & Evolution
Released April 2023, Stereo Mind Game explored separation and reunion in a pandemic age. It broke new ground: Igor contributed vocals on multiple tracks, strings from 12 Ensemble enriched the sound, and themes lingered between optimism and melancholy. Critics lauded its orchestration and evolving lyricism, though some found the mood weighed a bit heavy.
Legacy & Impact
Daughter have crafted a signature blend of indie folk and atmospheric soundscapes, driven by Elena’s poetic and emotionally resonant lyrics. From intimate acoustic whispers to post-rock crescendos, their evolution shows a band unafraid to grow while staying true to their essence.
Their influence extends: cinematic soundtracks, solo explorations, and cross-genre experimentation. From bedroom-EP origins to scoring award-nominated game music, Daughter’s journey is one of depth, honesty, and constant reinvention.
Final Word
Daughter’s career is a beautiful example of artistic sincerity, sonic evolution, and emotional bravery. From fragile beginnings to cinematic depths, they’ve stayed true to their core: heartfelt storytelling and immersive atmospheres. Their path reminds us that introspection can grow into daring expression—and that true art often lies in the spaces between sorrow and hope.
