Album Review: Ex:Re - ‘Save As’

Ex:Re, the solo project of Elena Tonra (of Daughter) is dropping Save As, this week on one of our favorite labels, 4AD! The record represents Tonra’s second solo LP and it is absolutely killer. It opens with “Radio Station” an acoustic number, where the melody evokes comps to something from Days of the New (deep pull I know). Tonra’s vocals float ethereally above the melody, it had me hooked, line, and sinker from the jump.

“Sleep” is up next, which is wholey different that it’s predecessor. This track focuses on Tonra’s fantastic vocals (which feature just a touch of reverb) and some cool percussion work. There’s a reason why this track is being pushed as the single for the record, it’s just damn good. It’s also unlike anything I can recall that’s dropped in 2026. “Am I Even Real?” is sort of a mix between the first two tracks, as it’s gone some understated guitar and some great percussion, accompanied by Tonra’s killer vocals. This one had me thinking of PJ Harvey, if you’re looking for a comp.

“Frozen Aisle” is another winner, as the moody piano that accompanies the drums is so methodical, that I had to restart it after it ended. The piano reminded me of some of the more dark tracks from The National. Tonra has some next level lyrics on this album, as she ponders the universe and how we can overthink things. On “Healing (Slow)” she sings “Sometimes a death just has no deeper meaning / Than time,”. Not gonna lie, that line absolutely knocked me out of my chair.

I really loved that Tonra made Ex:Re a duo on this effort, with her helming the guitar and synth, while Fabian Prynn held down percussion, while also producing the record as well. Simply put, if you’re into artists such as Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, Portishead, or Ethel Cain, you’ll love Save As by Ex:Re.

Rating - 10/10, no notes!