Part-founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, it’s no surprise that Communion are gaining quite a reputation for unearthing excellent folk and soul artists. Stamp The Wax has already featured Communion’s Michael Kiwanuka and Matt Corby, but two more are also deserving of our praise. In tune with the family feel of their label, Communion put on monthly music nights in unique venues around London. Given the success of the evening and the quality of music, it was therefore surprising to learn this was independently organised. Communion or no Communion, Monument Valley and Daughter are certainly worth taking note about.
Monument Valley
Label: Communion
Genre: Acoustic/Folk
Members: Ned Younger
Based: London
Formed: 2010
Sounds Like: Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Ben Howard, Justin Vernon,
Links: monumentvalleygo.wordpress.com/
Younger’s songs centre around his impressive songwriting talent, which conveys sorrow and hope in equally sensitive proportions. B of the Bang is a fine example of this, with help from some strings, guitar and a horn.
Daughter
Label: Communion
Genre: Acoustic/Folk
Members: Elena Tonra
Based: London
Formed: 2010
Sounds Like: Lucy Rose, Allie Moss, Laura Marling
Links: http://www.facebook.com/ohdaughter
Tonra’s gentle, soothing voice is enough in itself to make any song moving. Thankfully this heartfelt approach also rubs off on her lyrics and guitar-playing. Warning: if you’re going through an emotional breakup, I’d try to avoid this one:
