Who knew this band was so huge, before a proper full length had even been released? Signed by the legendary 4AD label, it couldn’t be a more fitting home, and maybe that was part of the buzz, as although 4AD doesn’t have the same cult status it had back in the 80’s and 90’s with bands like Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Pixies, Lush, Throwing Muses, etc., they still release albums by bands that can be considered the top notch of the more mainstream side of independent music these days. I saw one clip of Daughter upon the announcement of their signing and it made no impression on me whatsoever, but after reading about their string of sold out shows that even continued here in my home of Boston, I didn’t write them off entirely. Then I saw the video for ‘Still‘ in February and my reaction was completely different. The song, the sound of it, it’s video – it was all very romantic and heartbreaking but not in a way that was “too much” emotionally and made me not want to listen. It wasn’t overbearing, or overwrought. The balance felt right, and If You Leave follows through on that promise. There’s something so incredibly warm about the voice of lead singer Elena Tonra, bordering on folky at times, but not annoyingly so, and it strikes an interesting balance against the musical backdrop which could be considered very Sigur Rós-ish. However unlike that band, Daughter’s cinematic, almost “epic” vibe at times is more gentle. Whereas Sigur Rós’ oceanic sound can be that of a hurricane or massive blizzard crashing ashore, Daughter’s version is more of gentle waves washing onto a Hawaiian beach at sunrise. It’s still a big sound, but it’s intent is not of purposeful drama, but a natural quiet drama. It’s hypnotic, gently sweet and incredibly atmospheric, but never overwhelming. Even it’s lyrics, covering every corner of the pains in loss of love, never feel like a statement of “poor me”, but “this happens to us all, so mourn, and move on”. As quiet and sad as the sonics can be here, it’s also bright, optimistic, and forward looking, and lyrically the honesty on display here rings very true, sincere and genuine, and I think that’s why its resonated with so many people, including the sold out tours. Ms Tonra cuts a motherly cloth, and although I haven’t seen them live, I can imagine there is some sort of “we are all in this together” vibe washing through the crowd. Perhaps a feeling of comfort emanating from her presence, her lyrics, and the warm blanket of sound they create. Most of the songs may not be necessarily memorable, but its that feeling the album as a whole gives out that makes it such a strong record. It’s hard to tell if this is a one shot deal, making me wonder where they go from here. But like Sigur Rós who have somehow made their niche work for well over a decade now, with this gorgeous attention to detail in their sound, they have the same potential. It will be interesting to see what happens next, but in the meantime this is a very pretty record and not to be missed.