From UK To Rome: Daughter Showcases Brit Ambient Rock at Villa Ada Fest

Elegance, experimentation, and a core rock attitude took the stage at Villa Ada Festival, where Daughter played their first show in Rome, on Monday night.

Located in the north of Rome, Villa Ada offers an enchanting venue to perform at night, as a small lake encloses the stage on both sides, and the surrounding trees are dressed up in gleaming lights. Such a location could only add to the already whimsical aura of British, indie/folk band, Daughter.

Elena Tonra live at Villa Ada on August 8th, 2016. (Sergio Mario Ottaiano ©)

Heading from North London, Daughter has reached worldwide recognition after two self-released EPs, and two album, “If You Leave” (2013), and “Not To Disappear” (2016). Their signature sound is hypnotic, multi-layered, and deeply enticing: Elena Tonra’s vocals merge seamlessly with guitarist Igor Haefeli’s arpeggios, and drummer Remi Aguilella’s beats. When live, their attitude gets rockier, their presence heavier – also supported by their forth touring member, the multi instrumentalist Lucy Parnell.

The setlist presented in Rome offered a balance between their latest and debut album, lasting over an hour and a half. Yet, time seemed precariously suspended among their hushed melodies, bold crescendos, melting synths, and uneasy lyrics: “You better make me better,” Tonra obsessively repeats during Numbers‘ majestic bridge; “Buried deep within there’s a human/ despite everything I’m still human/ but I think I’m dying here,” cries Human‘s chorus. As also Tonra pointed out during the set, “[she] write songs about dying”.

                     Daughter live at Villa Ada (Antonella Ragnoli ©)

Their energy, though, was definitely vital, and grew throughout the show, exploding in their last three songs: New Ways enticed the mind with its crescendo, Youth (their most famous hit) won the crowd over with its mantra-like statement “We are the reckless, we are the wild youth,” Fossa bewildered the soul with a dazzling, 3-minute instrumental outro.Wholeheartedly acclaimed by the fans, the band returned on stage to perform an additional song, Made of Stone, closing delicately their set with whispered voices, reverberating through the whole Villa.

As their last notes vanished into the air, that whimsical spell they had seemed to cast on time and space broke. With elegance they left, leaving behind memories of an experimental music experience, an ambient/rock soundscape worth wandering in if you’ll get the chance!

Useful Links:

• Daughter’s Official Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Villa Ada Festival

Discover British Hidden Ambient Rock Gem, “Saturday Sun”

A striking “Saturday Sun” emerged from cloudy Britain. A talented, creative, musical ensemble was born in 2010, in Dorset, South West England, naming itself after Nick Drake’s song, “Saturday Sun“. Combining folk and rock influences with moving, emotional vocals, they will take you by the hand throughout a whimsical musical journey.

Alex and Billy from “Saturday Sun” (image source)

Even though in 2015 they decided to take a break and pursue different musical paths – first together under the name “Athousandfurs“, now individually – their music is still definitely worth checking out. Also, it will be interesting to see what they will come up with in the future, so stay tuned.

“Saturday Sun” comprised three members: Alex Hedley (voice and guitar), Billy Merrick (guitar), and Allan Varnfield (drums). They released two EP, “Seagull” (2012) and “That Wave” (2015), and a full length album, “Orixé”(2013). Their first EP received great recognition on iTunes, and laid the foundation for the following record: it is a cohesive, flowing album that will instantly draw you in and let you wander among rock-ish, folksy and even some orchestral atmospheres.

Saturday Sun Live | (image source)

Their strength lies both in the stunning musical ensemble, and in Alex’s unbelievably poignant, soulful vocals. He manages to create a remarkable contrast by alternating a delicate, hushed, falsetto voice, with a rougher, croaky, more raspy one. Personally, he reminds me of the versatile voices of Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons), and Josh Franceschi (You Me At Six).

At once “delicate and demanding” (Dayrotter), their music is an ethereal soundscape to slip into; their sound seems to take you to a contemplative journey into the woods, as the opening track of Orixé – Something In The Woods – evokes. The acoustic guitar riffs pull you in, the intense vocals keep you stuck, the surrounding musical textures embrace you completely.

If “Seagull” and “Orixé” relied on more reflective and rarefied atmospheres, their latest EP, “That Wave” has a stronger, more decisive vibe. The sound is more distorted, the drums more predominant, yet their emotional strength is retained – if not amplified – in Alex’s vocals. More space is given to instrumental parts – the tracks are lengthier – as well as to their rock-ish attitude.

As usual, I will leave you with my personal recommendations for the week.

1. Seagull

Pleasant acoustic musical journey. It is a great track to get acquainted with “Saturday Sun”, their engaging melodies, and Alex’s multifaceted vocals.

2. Blinded By The Truth

Mostly instrumental song. It starts off with a gentle piano-music background and hushed vocals, and grows stronger toward the end, as many more sonic textures get added to it.

3. I Want A Life For You 

Heartbreakingly emotional track. The desperate vocals, and deep lyrics will strike a chord in you.

4. Interlude 

Amusing building-up song. It delicately carries your mind elsewhere, shutting up the world outside. It is both relaxing and inspiring.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Saturday Sun, and stay tuned for more updates on their musical journey!

Useful Links:

• Saturday Sun’s Official Website
• Facebook
• Youtube

A Late-Night Indie Playlist To Make The Best Of Sleepless Nights

We’ve all been through some never-ending sleepless nights. The city sleeps, the clock strikes 3 AM, and you find yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering about the meaning of the universe. Somehow, though, these helpless, insomniac nights turn out to be poetic, relaxing moments to indulge in and lose track of time with: we get attached to the bittersweet allure of the night, and inspired by its peaceful stillness.

During these nights, music becomes our most loyal companion. It accompanies our silly ramblings, guides us through daydreams, and gently lets our mind wander. That’s why keeping a “late-night playlist” at hand is a must.

M83 Live / © José Manuel Ríos Valiente

Today I would like to share with you one of my late-night playlists featuring lengthy, evocative and inspiring indie tracks to make the best of sleepless nights. They are mostly instrumental songs, ranging from post-rock experimental atmospheres to more introverse, ethereal dream-pop vibes and distorted, building-up shoegaze songs. Their feeling is quite dark, yet intense and uplifting. They will guide you throughout the night, so let the journey begin:

1. “Wait” – M83

M83 is a French electronic, post-rock band, based in Los Angeles. Their music relies on cinematic atmospheres, distorted sounds and emotional crescendos. “Wait”, from the album “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” (2011) is a musical journey on its own.

2. “Building My Own Coffin” – The Burning Paris

The Burning Paris was an American indie-rock/post-rock band from Boston, MA. They split up in 2003, but in 2006 they released an anthology, “Half-Truths & Indiscretions“, containing songs from their two previous EPs. “Building My Own Coffin” has a melancholic and engaging vibe, strongly relying on the dark texture of the cello.

3. “If You Only  Knew What The Lost Soldiers Did To Me” – A. Armada

A. Armada is an ambient/post-rock band from Athens, GA. Their debut release, “Anam Cara” (2008), featuring “If Only You Knew..”, contains majestic building-up songs, ending with distorted, raw music.

4. “Quiet” – This Will Destroy You

This Will Destroy You is an American post-rock band from Texas. They have been frequently compared to Explosion In The Sky and their post-rock-ish atmosphere. Similarly to A. Armada, their sound grows stronger within the song, usually reaching an epic crescendo-core.

5. “I’m Sorry, I’m Lost” – Epigram

Epigram was an instrumental rock band from Toronto (they took an undetermined hiatus in 2011), strongly influenced by artists like Sigur Rós and Mogwai. “I’m Sorry, I’m Lost”, contained in their second album, “Reverie” (2010), is an emotional, soothing, embracing track.

6. “IO (This Time Around)” – Helen Stellar

Helen Stellar is an American shoegaze/alternative band, based in LA. This track relies on a strong cinematic feeling and soft blended vocals to create an ethereal soundscape.

7. “Distant Creatures” – The Daysleepers

The Daysleepers are an indie shoegaze/dream-pop American band based in Buffalo, NY. “Distant Creatures” is contained in their first full length album, “Drowned in a Sea of Sound” (2008). Its atmosphere is suspended, its rhythm terribly engaging.

8. “Totem” – Be Forest

Be Forest is an Italian shoegaze/dream-pop band. “Totem” is part of their latest album, “Earthbeat” (2014). Its sound is genuine, multi-layered and pleasantly hypnotic.

9. “Kettering” – The Antlers

The Antlers are an indie dream-pop/post-rock band from Brooklyn, NY. “Kettering”, contained in  their third album “Hospice“, has a quite uneasy sound, delicate at the beginning, rawer towards to end. The hushed vocals and poignant lyrics will definitely draw you in.

10. “Heavy Feet” – Local Natives

Local Natives are an American indie-rock band based in LA. “Heavy Feet” is included in their latest album “Hummingbird” (2013). It comprises different influences from pop to electro and folk music. It can easily become addictive.

11. “Lullaby” – Low

Low is a well-established American indie-rock band, from Minnesota. “Lullaby” is contained in their debut album, “I Could Live In Hope” (1994). It’s a lengthy, almost entirely instrumental song, but it will keep you stuck for the whole duration.

What are your favorite tracks to listen to at night? Feel free to share your personal late-night playlist. And remember, when insomnia comes in, put some good music on!

Listen To Snowmine And Fuel Your Inner Hipster

Embracing your inner hipster has never been this fun. Through a balanced mix of vintage and experimentalism, pastel fancy art covers and unique ambient sounds, Snowmine will make you enter a creative, psychedelic and addictive music dimension you’ll hardly want to leave.

                                                  Snowmine | (image found on Earmilk)

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Snowmine has been crafting evocative soundscapes since 2010. The band comprises five members, and four of them met at NYU while studying music: Grayson, the frontman, studied classical music; Austin, the guitarist, has a background in jazz music, Calvin, the drummer, in music technology (Village Voice). Their professed genre is ambient rock, but it gets constantly contaminated by many diverse influences, ranging from classical and orchestral music to afro-beat rhythms and synthesized electro noises.

The name “Snowmine” comes from a bittersweet story Grayson’s grandfather used to tell him: it recalls the beautiful and memorable snowy-night scenario during the Korean War, in which many young soldiers died because of hidden mines, covered in snow; Grayson’s grandfather remembers both the initial beauty and the dramatic sadness of that day.

Indeed, Snowmine’s sound is “pretty melancholy with darker textures”, and yet there is always a silver lining […] There’s always kind of an uplifting side, Grayson recognizes” (Village Voice; Earmilk).

Laminate Animal Pet Artcover | © Jesse Corinella

Speaking of discography, Snowmine has released two albums, “Laminate Pet Animal” (2010) – the title can be read backward, as well! – and “Dialects” (2014). Wanting to preserve their own authentic sound, and preferring DIY recording, they self-released both albums. To record Dialects, they even set up their own label, Mystery Buildings, through crowdfunding (Village Voice). They have also released several single tracks: the latest ones, “Tidal Wave” (Oct 2014) and “Smoke Signals” (May 2015) present a more mainstream pop-electro feeling, and yet retain their typical ethereal vocals and experimental attitude.

What makes them stand out is the uniqueness of their sound. They always manage to create a contrast between the numerous, layered elements making up their music. They massively rely on psychedelic vibes and dance influences, but also on more classical and rétro harmonies. In addition to that, tribal rhythms, rock-ish elements, and ethereal, soft vocals contribute to the charm of their sound. Through the heavy use of echo guitar pedals, the evident introspective feeling, and the whimsical blurring of each musical component into one another, their shoegazing atmosphere reveals itself. Their sound is lively, eclectic, captivating, and widely embracing.

Here are my recommended tunes for the week:

1. Let Me In: Haunting and delicate tune relying on timeless vocals and melancholy atmospheres.

2. This One: Dense song building up on many sounds and layers. Charming vocals will keep you stuck.

3. To Hold an Ocean: Electro, engaging rhythm with a dark feel, and vintage vocal harmonies.

4. Silver Sieve: Progressive rock tune with captivating guitar riffs and psychedelic vibes. The sound grows stronger to include classical influences and an orchestral fade out at the end.

Feel free to share your impression on them. Just beware that once you start, you’ll be left wanting more!

Useful Links:

• Snowmine’s Official Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram