THE DAPHNE THREE
(INDIE / ALTERNATIVE)

Originally founded in 2012 under the name Valens, this indie/emo band, comprised of Jeff Perales (Vocals / Guitar), Victor Mills (Bass / Vocals) and Raul Benavides (Drums), quickly made their mark on the Texas scene, blending the heart-on-sleeve emotion of bands like The Promise Ring, The Get Up Kids, and Hey Mercedes with their own distinctive sound. Over the next five years, Valens released 11 records and embarked on several Texas tours, as well as a national tour, building a dedicated fanbase with their raw, anthemic energy and deeply personal lyrics. But after years of relentless touring and recording, the band decided in 2017 that it was time to close that chapter and explore new sonic territory.

Reinventing themselves as The Daphne Blue, the band shifted towards a more indie/alternative direction, taking cues from the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Built To Spill, early Goo Goo Dolls, The Replacements, Husker Du, and Superchunk. The shift was more than just musical—it was a reflection of the band’s evolution as artists and individuals. Under this new name, they released two projects, including one that saw them collaborating with the legendary producer Chris "Frenchie" Smith, marking a high point in their career.

But in 2019, the band was forced to make another change when they received a cease and desist order, and they rebranded as The Daphne Three. They didn’t slow down, however, continuing to craft music that balanced gritty, alternative rock with melodic sensibilities. Two more releases followed under this name, but despite the momentum, The Daphne Three ultimately called it a day, leaving behind a legacy of unreleased music.

While the band may no longer be active, their creative spirit lives on. They still have three unreleased albums in the vault, and there’s always a chance that one day, their fans might hear the music they never got to release. From their emo roots as Valens to their alternative, indie evolution as The Daphne Three, their journey was marked by growth, reinvention, and a relentless passion for music. Though the band is now defunct, their sound, energy, and history remain an unforgettable chapter in the indie and emo scene of the 2010s.