Glasgow's
Sons and Daughters don't follow the indie pop formula made famous by their counterparts (
Belle & Sebastian,
Camera Obscura).
Adele Bethel,
David Gow,
Scott Paterson, and
Ailidh Lennon, who formed the group in 2001, compose a rough-cast folk-rock sound similar to the likes of
Smog and
Cat Power. Prior to getting together,
Bethel (vocals and guitar) and
Gow (drums) toured and recorded with
the Zephyrs and
Arab Strap.
Paterson (guitar/bass) chiefed March of Dimes for a short time while
Lennon (mandolin/bass) studied classical composition at a university nearby. In 2002,
Sons and Daughters self-released the Lovers EP.
Love the Cup, an intriguing homage to
Johnny Cash, followed a year later. In 2005,
Sons and Daughters issued their studio full-length, The Repulsion Box. With the help of producer
Bernard Butler, the band released its most fully realized album to date in 2008,
This Gift. In sticking with their "record every three years" plan,
Mirror Mirror was issued in 2011. With production from Optimo's
J.D. Twitch, the band stripped back its sound and delivered its most dramatic record thus far. ~ MacKenzie Wilson