Photo courtesy of Glassnote records
One of the first bands of the day, English folk band Daughter made their Bonnaroo debut at This Tent on Day 2, but their simpering lyrics and Elena Tonra’s saccharine voice commanded a larger crowd than expected.
Bonnaroo is a friend to many indie bands just getting their start, but Daughter has a surprising fanbase that stems from the six years they’ve been together. Four EPs, three singles and two albums later, Daughter has cultivated an affection among people who like their soft Irish-folk influenced ballads and unique pop sound.
Part of the mystery behind Daughter’s captivating performance surely calls back to Tonra’s inspiration for most of the songs they record. In past interviews, the Irish-Italian singer has expressed that songwriting was born out of the darkness and isolation of her childhood, having been bullied in school. This idea of writing as therapy united her with Swedish guitarist, muse and eventual lover, Igor Haefeli.
While Haefeli spoke to the crowd almost exclusively on the mic, Tonra did quietly express her gratitude halfway into the set, before delving into “Candles”.
Perhaps the lack of fan interaction was meant to inspire a more thought-provoking response to Daughter’s lyrics. Either way, for the hour in which they performed it was as if a veil had been cast over the tent, and Tonra a heavenly presence on stage.
— Sara Snoddy, MTSU Seigenthaler News Service, Twitter:@sara_snoddy
To contact Lifestyles Editor Olivia Ladd email [email protected].
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