THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER - SAMPLER (POST PUNK, RELEASED INDEPENDENTLY, AUG 29TH, REVIEW)
On the first listen, Bog didn't really feel the sampler, but it has grown on Bog, and it does turn into an infectious piece of music. It was an interesting journey with The Hangman's Daughter, and Bog likes it when something completely flips him from his initial reaction.
With that said, the sampler is super chill, so for those expecting ultra heavy music, or something that is going to make you shiver furiously, then this might not be for you, but if you can give it a chance, and appreciate relaxing, but catchy melodies, then The Hangman's Daughter would be an artist Bog recommends. There are other influences outside of the obvious goth vocals and bands like The Cure, such as horror punk (Bog could hear it on Serafina Who Knows).
From what Bog can gather, the sampler is a collection of recent tracks spanning the last few years.
Dive is mega chill, but yet has excellent audio and mastering to give it an extra edge, but not sacrificing the lo-fi essence to lose the heart of the song. It's the first in two of the lo-fi down tempo tracks on the sampler. Bog could imagine driving around at night in the Bog Wagon listening to this. City lights, dark sky scrapers, all those images come to mind. Another catchy intro with clear vocals stressing the lyrics, and feels like a mix of goth/post punk, but vocally could also run on slower paced horror punk tracks. A pleasant relaxing listen with mood, tone, a distinguishable singer, and excellent instruments.
Caldera opens with a ticking clock followed by an introduction asking "When did they let you out of hell?", which is met with the reply, "2 weeks ago", and followed with the person who had started the conversation responding, "You're late". Clearly setting the tone for a dark yet consistent gentle tempo with a strong melody supported by notable vocals and drums. There is a light cross fade out at the end of Caldera to close the track before transitioning into From Ashes.
Bog stresses again, the sampler does grow on you. Hard to describe, but it's one of those pieces of music that refuses to go away, keeps coming back asking your ears to listen. This is positive of course. Bog feels like he is expressing his mood outwardly with you all. If The Hangman's Daughter can make an unwashed Bog creature grow into the music, then it shouldn't be hard for you humans to immerse yourself.
From Ashes is the only track Bog still didn't quite feel despite repeated listens. From Ashes is an instrumental with some samples that would work as a soundtrack for a film, or series. Professionally composed, arranged, mastered, and the outro fading of the drums is a nice touch, adding just that little touch of atmosphere. As stated already, From Ashes in Bog's opinion runs like a song on a soundtrack, which could be used for end credits, or scoring a notable scene. From Ashes isn't bad music, just overridden by the other tracks on the sampler that certainly do take hold of your ears.
Some Safer Ground starts with a slow introduction before the notable incredible melody begins, then the drums join the arrangement. There are some parts where the track fades a little into the background and aren't as strong, but mostly this another solid song.
Serafina Who Knows is the track containing the horror punk influences, which complements the core essence. It has a vampire movie feel about it and is definitely an instant classic. Bog will paint the picture for you. Imagine hearing this in a club whilst a dubious person is in the background scanning the room, there is something off. You feel somewhat relaxed, but yet your instinct is telling you there is a presence in the room that you cannot put your finger on. Serafina Who Knows would be the soundtrack and is very good. It opens with a clear bass line accompanied by a melody followed by the goth vocals carrying a strong chorus emphasizing 'bang the drum', serving to add credence to the drums, and drawing attention to them.
Bass, melody, vocals, chorus, and drums are all playing their part. Timing is good and no part feels awkward, or that it was thrown together randomly. The outro further stimulates the nocturnal horror movie visuals in Bog's imagination.
Bog's favorite tracks from the sampler are Serafina Who Knows, Some Safer Ground, and Dive. Recommended ffo of post punk/goth, or those who can appreciate a chiller, lighter, but darkly relaxing approach.
The sampler and more music from The Hangman's Daughter are available from Bandcamp.
Bandcamp:
https://thehangmansdaughter.bandcamp.com/
Socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@thehangmansdaughter
