Album Review: Shooting Daggers – Love & Rage (New Heavy Sounds)

London, UK based three-piece queercore punk band Shooting Daggers will release their debut album ‘Love & Rage’ on 16th February via New Heavy Sounds.

Showcasing a sharp and serrated style of old-school punk blended by modern alternative ideas, and twisted by the ‘core’ soundscape, Shooting Daggers are an ‘in your face’ band. Spitting anthemic punk fury across nine classy tracks that proves this band are an exciting prospect within the alternative music world.

Following Dare, a rocking hit that switches into punk intensity with ease, Shooting Daggers really hit their stride with Not My Rival. This track is the one that will make people sit up and take notice. Not just because it is a noisy (that’s par for the course over the entire album) bugger, but because it sounds so fresh. The tempo is a foot-tapper, but the vocal(s) delivery is so interesting. Having all members of the band shouting together sounds so damn cool.

It’s the shake-up that the punk rock world needs, and further proof comes from the excellent Smug. Having a rawness that gives it the punk flavour, but with some rock and roll groove running through it. Then there is Wipeout and A Guilty Conscience Needs an Accuser. The former is unapologetically punk. Short, to the point and with a recognisable hardcore vein. Whereas the latter is a big tone shift, as Shooting Daggers get mellow and thought-provoking. What do you know? It turns out this band has layers to their sound and it is very exciting.

Speaking of excitement though… how freaking good is Tunnel Vision? Talk about a track that gets the blood pumping. Although, again, the straight-forward and old-school punk vibes of Bad Seeds is nothing to complain about as it finds the band sounding particularly heavy.

Then there is the title track, the penultimate offering, and one that brings back a more dramatic rock sound. Once again, Shooting Daggers show that you shouldn’t even try to box in their sound because they will always find a way to surprise. Which is why the finale of Caves-Outro is so damn lovable. An emotional closer that has intense piano melody and truly haunting vocals. An outstanding way to end things.

If there is one complaint, it’s that it’s over far too soon. Coming in at a little over twenty minutes, Shooting Daggers really do leave you wanting so much more. Yet, Love and Rage is so digestible, it will get play after play this year and still have the same impact. Welcome to the party, Shooting Daggers, you’re more than welcome here.

Shooting Daggers – Love & Rage Track Listing:

1. Dare
2. Not My Rival
3. Smug
4. Wipeout
5. A Guilty Conscience Needs an Accuser
6. Tunnel Vision
7. Bad Seeds
8. Love & Rage
9. Caves-Outro

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram