Indie rock is a saturated genre, to put it lightly. One artist that stands tall are Daughter, the UK trio that ended their most successful tour with their biggest headline show to date at London’s 5000 cap Brixton O2 Academy.....
Opening the night were WILSEN. The NYC based band brought their haunting indie rock to the Brixton O2 to what was a very warm reception. Expansive soundscapes making their performance an immersive experience inside the spectacle that is Brixton O2.
© Sion Roe
Notable tracks? 'Garden' and 'Centipede', two tracks with great pace and presence, stunning the awaiting crowd that lapped up every note.
With only two acts on tonights bill, it was not long before Daughter took to the stage. Opening with 'New Ways', the opening track for their second album, 'Not To Disappear'. As soon as Elena Tonra took to her mic, the audience were in awe. I found myself stunned whilst shooting, someone so unassuming looking so complete whilst performing. For two tracks, Elena did not look up, and joked about not being ready to face the sheer scale of the crowd that had turned up to see them. 5000 eagerly awaiting fans that sang every lyric.
© Sion Roe
© Sion Roe
The track I found myself completely immersed in during the set was 'Human'. I preferred the live performance to the recording by far, it was such a powerful track and I found myself speechless, along with the majority of the 5000 others that I was stood shoulder to shoulder with. One track that everyone will be familiar with was 'Youth', their most recognised track by far and one that completed the nights performance. Some fans in tears, some with their eyes closed and some just in complete shock, It is a track that everyone can find themselves lost in, a masterpiece.
© Sion Roe
As venues go, Brixton O2 was the perfect choice for this show. I can’t imaging seeing Daughter at a festival or arena, their sound is far too raw for the artificial presence of modern venues. As the night came to a close I walked home with a sense of excitement. I had witnessed an incredibly special performance by one of the UK’s most exciting artists. Lets see where they go next. For Daughter, the possibilities are endless.
© Sion Roe
Words and Photography by Sion Roe
