Shooting Daggers – Athames | EP Review

The UK punk and hardcore scene has been thriving in recent years and Shooting Daggers are here to stand out from the vast array with their seething sound.

Salomé (Vocals/Guitar), Beatrice (Bass/Vocal) and Raquel (Drums) ended up London from their respective countries and with varying musical influences but a united voice of anger and discontent. Garnering backing across the DIY scene supporting the likes of USA Nails, the London trio have recently raised eyebrows through immense displays at Desertfest and supporting Amyl and the Sniffers. ‘Anthames’ (a type of dagger used by witches during rituals), the title of their first EP, is here to stick that blade right in the heart of what you think you know about the punk scene.

‘No Exit’ gives you little time to settle in. Barrelling in with visceral hardcore energy and hooks. ‘Watch them burn!’ echoes as the trio aim a boot right towards the patriarchy. Small elements like added effects to vocals jump out and quickly show that the trio are not here to release an average punk record. Something which is used again on next track ‘Liar’ to great effect. The pace and message not letting up as abusers are called out, a call to arms for the listener to not be passive bystanders in their communities. A distinct D.C. hardcore inspiration on this track shines through.

A disconcerting intro on ‘Carnage’ opens into a Sabbath-esque briefly, whilst ‘We Will Live’ would not go a-miss at a Turnstile show. A reflection of the diverse musical inspirations and a lesson on how not to stick to the rules of what can be quite a formulaic genre. ‘You Can’t Kill Us’ and ‘Missandra’ leave you picking the dirt out of your teeth as you are pushed to the ground and stomped on. Pit starting, fierce songs that put out the statement that Shooting Daggers are here and won’t be going away soon. The anger and energy throughout the EP is direct and hits hard as it should. Something that should be taken away and reflected on after each listen.

Their label, New Heavy Sounds, have backed a force to be reckoned with here. As with the rest of their roster such as the progressive Mountain Caller and space-doom outfit MWWB all bands that deserve get a bigger platform given the chance. This debut is a stellar start to what hopefully is only the beginning of the trio’s journey and further slots on festivals and shows to come because this trio should be heard.