Esben and the Witch

The Profile

Esben and the Witch are a British trio formed in Brighton in 2008: Rachel Davies (vocals, bass), Thomas Fisher (guitar) and Daniel Copeman (drums/electronics). Named after a Danish folk tale, they fuse dark wave, post-punk, post-rock and dream pop. Early releases appeared on Matador, they launched their own Nostromo label for A New Nature (recorded by Steve Albini), and later issued further albums while based in Germany.

Formed in Brighton (UK) in 2008; members: Rachel Davies, Thomas Fisher, Daniel Copeman. Name derives from a Danish traditional tale. Shifted from Matador Records to their own Nostromo label for A New Nature, recorded by Steve Albini. Subsequently based in Germany/Berlin. Later releases include titles on Season of Mist.

Four positive, evocative reviews chart Esben and the Witch’s evolution from the atmospheric Wash the Sins Not Only the Face to the raw, Albini-recorded A New Nature, then into the long-form dread of Older Terrors and the intimate unease of Nowhere. The critics praise Rachel Davies’ understated vocals, the trio’s hybrid of dark wave, post-punk and post-rock, and their courage in shifting aesthetics. Themes of folklore, cinema and literature recur. Overall verdict: consistently compelling and distinctive.