Daughters (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Providence, Rhode Island, United States |
| Headquarters | Providence , United States |
Key people | Alexis Marshall (vocals), Nick Sadler (guitar), Jon Syverson (drums), Samuel Walker (bass) |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, EPs |
Daughters is a rock group originating from the United States, established in 2002 in Providence, Rhode Island. The band comprises vocalist Alexis Marshall, guitarist Nick Sadler, drummer Jon Syverson, and bassist Samuel Walker.
Starting out as a mathgrind ensemble, Daughters gradually transitioned toward noise rock with each successive release. The band dissolved in August 2009 following Marshall's exit; their self-titled third album was issued in 2010 during the period of inactivity.
They reunited in 2013 and signed with Ipecac Recordings in 2018, releasing You Won't Get What You Want, which garnered widespread critical praise and represented a shift toward more traditional song forms and vocal styles.
In 2021, the band entered another hiatus after domestic violence allegations were made against frontman Alexis Marshall by his former partner, Kristin Hayter.
Formation and Canada Songs (2002–2003)
Prior to forming Daughters, vocalist Alexis S.F. Marshall, guitarist Jeremy Wabiszczewicz, and drummer Jon Syverson performed together in the grindcore act As the Sun Sets. Following that band's breakup, they established Daughters alongside guitarist Nicholas Andrew Sadler and bassist Pat Masterson. Although an insert accompanying As the Sun Sets' final release implied continuity, Marshall later clarified that Daughters was a distinct project.
On March 25, 2002, only days after their formation, Daughters released their debut EP through City of Hell Records. Their inaugural live show took place in May 2002 at the Munch House in Providence. By October of that year, they concentrated on composing material for their first full-length album.
The debut album Canada Songs was released on August 12, 2003, via Robotic Empire.
Hell Songs (2004–2006)
In June 2004, Daughters issued their initial live album, Live at CBGB, under City of Hell Records, which included a new track titled "Boner X-Ray". The following month, this song was made available as a free download on their website; a studio version renamed "X-Ray" later appeared on their forthcoming album Hell Songs. By mid-2005, the band had signed with Hydra Head Records. During tours between 2004 and 2005, they previewed early versions of songs destined for Hell Songs, such as "Feisty Snake-Woman" and "Fuck Whisperer". Recording sessions commenced in March 2006 at Mad Oak Studios, with official album details revealed in May. Their sophomore album Hell Songs was released on August 8, 2006 through Hydra Head.
Daughters and break-up (2007–2010)
Work on the third Daughters album began approximately three years prior to its release date, with Sadler collaborating closely alongside Syverson to develop song concepts. Recording started in April 2009 and concluded by June. However, in August of that year, the band abruptly disbanded after a conflict arose between Marshall and Sadler, prompting Marshall’s departure. The remaining members halted activities while awaiting Marshall’s potential return. Sadler completed mastering and promotional efforts intending to keep the group active. Later on, Marshall expressed willingness to rejoin only if Sadler was replaced; this led to bassist Samuel M. Walker leaving as well, effectively dissolving the band.
The breakup remained unofficial and unknown outside the group until late 2009. Subsequently, Marshall and Syverson reconnected to continue under the band's name without immediate plans to replace those who had left. Sadler indicated he was unlikely to return due to stress and satisfaction with other projects. The band performed a secret show at Rhode Island School of Design, playing most tracks from the unreleased album—this was the sole live presentation of those songs prior to their reunion in 2013.
Despite the split, Daughters released their third album, Daughters, on March 9, 2010 via Hydra Head Records. Management confirmed there would be no supporting tour. Reflecting on this record, Sadler acknowledged financial difficulties and personal issues limited promotion but expressed pride in having completed the album despite these challenges.
Reunion and recording sessions (2013–2014)
Andy Low of Robotic Empire played a pivotal role in bringing Daughters back together, according to Marshall. Despite a period of silence between Marshall and Sadler, Low informed each that the other was interested in reconnecting, which led to a hesitant dinner meeting where they soon realized Low had orchestrated their reunion. Marshall reflected, "We sat down for dinner and within 15 minutes, conversations about future plans began," adding that previous conflicts "no longer felt significant."
Marshall mentioned that the band had been contemplating a reunion for quite some time, with fans frequently asking about Daughters during his tours with Fucking Invincible. Upon returning, he sent a group message encouraging the band to prioritize live performances before focusing on songwriting, believing that momentum would naturally develop.
On September 13, 2013, Daughters performed together again in Rhode Island, quickly scheduling an additional show due to high demand. After reuniting, the band increased their presence on social media and started working on demo recordings. During the summer of 2014, they recorded at Providence’s Machines With Magnets studio and teased new material on Facebook. However, these sessions were ultimately set aside as the band felt the tracks sounded "unfinished" and "forced." Sadler explained that these recordings were shelved to allow space for experimenting with fresh ideas.
You Won't Get What You Want and hiatus (2015–2021)
In 2015, Daughters resumed recording at Machines With Magnets. By September 2016, they announced via Instagram plans to record while touring, without specifying a release date. The tour included the debut of a new song titled "Long Road, No Turns." In June 2017, frontman Alexis Marshall expressed hopes to release their fourth studio album by the end of that year. Later in 2017, Daughters supported The Dillinger Escape Plan during their farewell tour. By April 2018, guitar tracking for the album was completed.
On July 13, 2018, Daughters unveiled "Satan in the Wait," the lead single from their forthcoming album released through Ipecac Recordings. The album's title, You Won't Get What You Want, was announced on August 17 alongside the second single "The Reason They Hate Me," noted for its abrasive tone. The third single, "Long Road, No Turns," released on October 2, garnered acclaim from Rolling Stone for its intricate rhythms and vivid lyricism.
The full album arrived on October 26 to widespread critical praise and appeared on numerous year-end best-of lists. The band’s first-ever music video—for the track "Less Sex"—was released on January 14, 2019, directed by former guitarist Jeremy Wabiszczewicz.
In October 2021, musician Kristin Hayter publicly accused Marshall of physical and psychological abuse during their relationship; she later expanded her allegations in December to include rape and domestic violence occurring between July 2019 and June 2021. Marshall denied these accusations and indicated he would consider legal action.
Shortly before Hayter’s detailed December statement, Daughters announced via Patreon an indefinite pause in activities and canceled scheduled January 2022 performances at New York City’s (Le) Poisson Rouge.
Following the hiatus, Sadler joined Greg Puciato’s live band for his inaugural solo tour in 2023, while drummer Jon Syverson became involved with Human Impact as of 2024.
Musical style
Initially, Daughters' sound was predominantly identified with grindcore and mathcore, but over time their music transitioned more towards noise rock. The band has also been linked to genres such as industrial rock, no wave, math rock, post-punk, experimental rock, alternative metal, art rock, and art-metal. Lead vocalist Sadler has challenged the math rock/mathcore classification, explaining that while the band’s music is "calculated," they lack formal training, and their style evolved organically.
By the time of their sophomore album, Hell Songs, Marshall's vocal delivery shifted from piercing screams to a style reminiscent of performers like David Yow, Nick Cave, and Michael Gira. His singing has been characterized as "Elvis Presley in torment" and "Jerry Lee Lewis under the influence of hallucinogens." Marshall attributed this vocal development to the band's musicianship, stating, "These musicians are skilled. I don't want it to be like, 'You all play impressively while I just scream.' Our music demands more than that, so the vocals should reflect that complexity."
Members
Current
- Alexis Marshall – vocals (2002–2009, 2013–present)
- Nicholas Sadler – guitar (2002–2003, 2004–2009, 2013–present)
- Jon Syverson – drums (2002–2009, 2013–present)
- Samuel Walker – bass (2004–2009, 2013–present)
Former
- Jeremy Wabiszczewicz – guitar (2002–2003)
- Pat Masterson – bass (2002–2004)
- Perri Peete – guitar (2003–2004)
- Brent Frattini – guitar (2003–2007)
Current touring members
- Gary Potter – guitar (2007–2008, 2013–present)
- Monika Khot – guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass (2019–present)
Former touring members
- Jeff Worms – guitar (2008)
- Chris Slorach – bass (2019)
- Lisa Mungo – keyboards, synthesizer (2018–2019)
Studio albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Canada Songs |
|
| Hell Songs |
|
| Daughters |
|
| You Won't Get What You Want |
|
Live albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Live at CBGB |
|
EPs
| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Daughters |
|
Singles
| Track | Release Year | Source Album |
|---|---|---|
| "The First Supper" | 2010 | Daughters |
| "Satan in the Wait" | 2018 | You Won't Get What You Want |
| "The Reason They Hate Me" | ||
| "Long Road, No Turns" |
Music videos
| Video Title | Release Year | Directed By |
|---|---|---|
| "City Song" | 2018 | Alexander Barton |
| "Less Sex" | Jeremy W | |
| "Guest House" | 2019 | A.F. Cortés |
Other appearances
| Track | Release Year | Compilation Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Marry Me (Lie Lie)" | 2006 | Release the Bats: the Birthday Party as Heard Through the Meat Grinder of Three One G | Cover of The Birthday Party |
| "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" | 2014 | In Utero, in Tribute, in Entirety | Cover versions of Nirvana songs |
| "Big Cheese" | 2016 | Doused in Mud, Soaked in Bleach | |
| "What's Inside a Girl" | 2020 | Really Bad Music for Really Bad People: The Cramps as Heard Through the Meat Grinder of Three One G | Cover of The Cramps |