DAUGHTERS AT EMO'S IN AUSTIN, TX

Touring in support of their incredible 2018 release “You Won’t Get What You Want,” Daughters hit Austin twice in 2019. The first time, in March, was my first time shooting the band or seeing them perform live, and I can definitively say, my mind was blown. I was first introduced to this band back in 2003, with their debut album “Canada Songs.” A mix of grindcore, art-core, noise rock, and punk, the album is an 11-minute onslaught that is as captivating as it is chaotic. But their 2018 release is something different, with the collection of songs feeling more organized, thoughtful, and better executed. The band of course still utilizes odd time signatures, haunting vocal patterns, shrieking guitars, and pummeling drums and electronics, but the 15 years of growth the band experienced since their first release is ever present, making the album a much more satisfying listen. All of these elements carry over into the band’s live set, and the intensity and energy of the audience is a clear indicator that whatever Daughters are doing, and however they are doing it, it certainly still works.

For a band whose live performance is so highlighted by interaction with and physical connection to the audience, I was curious how Daughters’ set would go at the 1700-capacity venue Emo’s in Austin, Texas. Turns out, there really isn’t much that will keep front-man Alexis Marshall from making his way into the audience and driving the microphone into the faces of his howling audience. Whether sprawling along the massive stage, hurling stands and swallowing microphones, or perched among the front row of the crowd high on the press-pit barrier, Marshall owned the performance and the night from the band’s opening note. Opening acts SRSQ and HEALTH both put on powerful performances to help get the night’s energy up, but by the time Daughters took the stage, the crowd was more than ready.

Overall, the band’s 60-minute set was composed entirely of songs from “You Won’t Get What You Want” and their 2010 LP “Daughters.” While the band instrumentally sounded as strong and solid as ever, I was most taken aback by Marshall’s enthralling performance, and the way he both charms and scares, welcomes you in while beating your ass at the same time. But this is what makes Daughters’ music, and their live performances, so entertaining: the push and pull between beauty and chaos, between tension and calm. Daughters create a scary and gorgeous and fascinating sonic world with their music, and their live performances are an invitation to experience the highs and lows in the most raw and unfettered way possible. If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience Daughters live, consider yourself privileged.