Daughter: Stereo Mind Game (Limited Edition Coloured Eco Vinyl) (LP)

Almost exactly ten years after their sensational debut, Daughter are back with their new, third album "Stereo Mind Game". With the debut "If You Leave" and its follow-up "Not To Disappear" from 2016, the international trio made it directly into the charts in many countries. Daughter's intimate indie folk with electronic sprinkles was also well received in Germany. But after the soundtrack album "Music From Before The Storm" to the video game "Life Is Strange", the band has nevertheless taken a self-imposed break for the time being. Singer Elena Tonra from London has used the time for her solo project Ex:Re, whose eponymous album was released at the end of 2018. Guitarist Igor Haefeli and drummer Remi Aguilella were also musically active individually. It was only two years ago that the three found their way back together more concretely and work began on "Stereo Mind Game". Fortunately, the sound of the album does not reflect the break in any way. The twelve new songs sound as haunting and warm as ever. New, however, is the inclusion of the London string orchestra 12 Ensemble on many tracks. If then, as in "Neptune" and "To Rage" also a brass quartet is added, the soothing sound of Daughter almost reaches Bon Iver dimensions. In terms of content, "Stereo Mind Game" deals with what it means to be separated from loved ones and from oneself. A complex and potentially heavy subject area, but one that is not reflected in the mood of the album. On the contrary, the band has never sounded as optimistic and catchy as they do on their third opus. Obviously, the break has done Daughter good.