Not to Disappear cover

Released 10 years ago

Not to Disappear

Daughter · 2016

47 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal soundscapes blend with haunting melodies, creating an introspective atmosphere that grapples with themes of loss and connection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Numbers — This track features a pulsating rhythm paired with poignant lyrics about the struggles of navigating life's uncertainties, capturing the album's thematic essence.
  • →
    Mothers — With its rich instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, this song delves into complex relationships and expectations, representing the album's emotional depth.
  • →
    Made of Stone — The closing track combines vulnerability with a powerful instrumental crescendo, encapsulating the overarching themes of resilience and fragility found throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's introspective sound and emotional depth create a compelling listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that gradually builds layers of sound, introducing ethereal synths and soft vocals that set a contemplative tone.
  • Tracks often feature sparse instrumentation, allowing the vocals to dominate while creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, where quiet verses swell into more intense choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Daughter released Not to Disappear in January 2016, they were transitioning from the success of their debut album If You Leave (2013), which had established them as a significant voice in indie rock. This follow-up solidified their artistic identity, marked by deeper explorations into personal and emotional territories while maintaining their atmospheric sound.
Stylistic neighbors
London Grammar· The xx· Bat for Lashes

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • How

    A shift occurs when the singer addresses feelings of helplessness directly, revealing a moment of raw honesty amidst a web of doubt.

    This direct address breaks the introspective tone of earlier verses, inviting listeners into a more vulnerable space that starkly contrasts with previous reflections.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 New Ways 5:25
  • 2 Numbers 4:16
  • 3 Doing the Right Thing 5:14
  • 4 How 4:26
  • 5 Mothers 5:21
  • 6 Alone / With You 4:33
  • 7 No Care 2:53
  • 8 To Belong 4:17
  • 9 Fossa 6:46
  • 10 Made of Stone 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata