Daughters stopped at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC on December 18, 2019 and I was there rocking out with the band for my third time in the last two years. The venue wasn’t sold out, but it was packed tightly. The photo pit was full, the crowd was frantic, and Daughters fucking killed it.

Continue reading below for my full concert review and more shots from the show. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.

I watched the band perform at Metro Gallery in Baltimore, Black Cat in DC, and now 9:30 Club in DC. Amazing. A well-deserved climb. Each venue quite a bit bigger than the other. Daughters’ performances (in my experience) have been equally beautiful and disturbing. I was fortunate to see Daughters in their prime once again. I was nearly crushed against the steel barrier by the crowd. It was worth it though.

Daughters are a band full of creative energy and stamina. Their energy is contagious, infectious, and slightly nauseating. The vibes were overwhelmingly positive and the atmosphere Daughters created at the 9:30 Club was intense. There was a feeling of overwhelming joy in the room mixed with a feeling of impending doom. Strange combination. I dig it.

The audience members close to the stage were completely losing their shit the entire set. Lots of love and respect from the crowd. It was more difficult than usual to take my shots of the band. I was being crushed by the crowd and smashed into the metal barrier. There was not much room in the photo pit, so I went into the crowd. Brave. Dedicated. Plus, the low-lighting, tightly-packed audience, and constant spastic movements by the band were all challenges. I was, however, able to capture some of the sonic magic.

Daughters’ sound is difficult to describe, though I will attempt. Their music is aggressive, abrasive, and unpredictable. It’s extremely loud and heavy, but also somewhat dreamy and psychedelic. It’s most definitely an assault on the listeners senses. The vocals sound similar to David Yow’s vocals of The Jesus Lizard (which kind of sound like Nick Cave’s vocals of The Birthday Party). My mind cannot seem to categorize Daughters though.

The band members are relentless musicians and performers. Daughters created their own sort of DIY sound and have pushed musical boundaries. I guess I would describe them as a bit metal, punk, hardcore, krautrock, industrial, progressive, grindcore, math-rock/avant-garde noise rock. There. That should about sum it all up! Be sure to check the Official Daughters Website for all upcoming tour dates and other info about the band.

The band’s setlist consisted mainly of songs off their newest album, You Won’t Get What You Want (which is the band’s fourth studio album and first album in 8 years). Daughters did play some older material and fan favorites from their earlier releases as well. Noteworthy songs Daughters played included; “The Reason They Hate Me,” “The Lords Song,” “Long Road, No Turns,” “Our Queens (One Is Many, Many Are One),” “The Hit,” “The Virgin,” “Less Sex,” “Guest House,” and “Ocean Song.

Here are some more photos of Daughters performing at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC on December 18, 2019. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media.

Stream these Daughters albums on Spotify: