Aurora Smedley and her rock band, Midnight Daughter, take listeners on an exhilarating journey through emotional terrains and cosmic musings with their debut album. Born from a potent mix of a life-altering vision, personal turmoil, and a deep connection to the universe, the self-titled album offers a potent blend of heart-wrenching vulnerability and head-banging intensity.
Midnight Daughter is the brainchild of vocalist and songwriter Aurora Smedley. Inspired by a powerful vision, she started the project in Seattle alongside violinist Bryan Djunaedi. After early success and line-up changes, the band relocated to Austin, TX, with bassist Jack Wilson Kelley. After all these changes, they have consolidated their sound and are ready to present their debut album.
Born from unexpected inspiration, a fan’s appreciation for demos Smedley considered throwaways, and shaped by a period of personal struggle and spiritual awakening, Midnight Daughter feels like a raw and honest reflection of the creative fire that burns within Smedley.
The self-titled album, “Midnight Daughter,” is a true testament to the power of unexpected inspiration and personal growth. It was born out of an unexpected fan’s appreciation for demos that Smedley initially considered throwaways, but that eventually evolved into something much more meaningful. This album is a raw and unfiltered representation of Smedley’s creative passion, fueled by her own struggles and spiritual journey. Every song feels like a heartfelt reflection of the burning fire that drives her artistry.
In the seven-track production, Smedley’s songwriting takes center stage with lyrics that grapple with the big questions—life, death, rebirth, and our place in the vast cosmos. A great example of this is the poetry in “The Black Oak.” The lyrics paint a picture of internal conflict, death as a transformation, and a yearning for guidance. “Wither” is another song that stands out for its writing. It depicts a passionate longing for a lost love, and the desire to be one with this lost love, even in death. However, this introspection manifests in two distinct ways: moments of raw vulnerability that resonate deeply, and soaring, hard-rock anthems that demand a head-banging response.
The music itself is a dynamic beast, shifting organically between styles and tempos. The album showcases her stunning vocals, a captivating blend of intimacy and raw power. Every song is a dynamic journey, with guitars and drums seamlessly shifting between slow, introspective passages that feel like internal reflections and moments of high intensity, where they erupt into relentless sonic assaults.
“Midnight Daughter” is a captivating listen for fans of progressive rock with a healthy dose of female-led power. If you dig the likes of Tool, and Muse, but also appreciate the raw emotion of Alanis Morissette and the grunge energy of Nirvana, this album is for you.
“Midnight Daughter” is a powerful debut that announces the arrival of a band with a unique voice and a compelling vision. With its dynamic blend of musical styles, emotionally charged lyrics, and a backstory steeped in personal growth, the album leaves you wanting more.
