The Shacklewell Arms – 20 MAY 2022
Shooting Daggers release debut EP in style at The Shacklewell.
Shooting Daggers are a three piece band whose effusive, political approach to punk, with a shade of hard-core, grunge and metal core thrown in makes for a compelling musical blend. This was the third time that I've seen them in the last six months and each time they've gotten better. The previous outings were support slots, at Brixton Academy supporting Amyl and The Sniffers and the Bird's Nest, two venues of very different size. On this occasion it was great to see them headlining The Shacklewell Arms in East London at a night that they had curated themselves.
Kicking things off was Gender Warfare. They set the tone of the evening with an excitable set of hardcore punctuated by some electronic embellishments. As with all the acts the songs were politically charged, informed by an impassioned sense of rage. With so much to be angry about in the current climate it is heartening to see bands expressing that ire in their music. The band were clearly enjoying the set and that enthusiasm was mirrored by the crowd. They did a hardcore version of “Sound of the Underground”. “Deadname” was another strong song. There was also a somewhat confusing anecdote involving pomegranates and an onion. Overall it was a strong start to the evening.
Comeback Clit were second on. There were a couple of issues with levels earlier in the set but once these were rectified they really got into the swing of things. The ferocity of the music was offset by a very humble approach. I particularly liked their aside about just giving it a go even if you don't know what you're doing. That said it did seem as if they were very well acquainted with playing, in spite of their statement to the contrary. I didn't catch the title but one of the standout tracks derided the often aggressive, hyper masculine nature of mosh pits. It should be possible to jump in the pit without worrying about physical injury. Fortunately this was the case at this gig. The crowd was bustling and lively but respectful.
Death Goals were a furious ball of energy from the get go. The two piece worked the crowd expertly. Placing the microphone in among the audience for a couple of songs and jumping into the throng elevated the intensity in the room. The band managed to sound expansive and gleefully abrasive. They took a moment to reflect on overcoming bullying and prejudice and the catharsis of being able to play music for like minded folk. It was a moment of thoughtful gravitas punctuating the frenzied sonic maelstrom of their set. They gave an excellent performance which segued nicely into the headliners slot.
Shooting Daggers brought the night to a close with a superb show. There is a searing vitality to their songs which are delivered with a force of execution that retains a sense of fun. The crowd, who had been active for all the bands really got going and the packed room was decidedly sweaty. The whole band were in great form but the stand out feature for me is the chunky baselines that really give the sound a visceral depth. The whole evening was a joyful affirmation of the Queercore punk scene, which if this event is anything to go by, is in excellent health. The vibrant heaviness of the bands was balanced by an inclusive and welcoming ethos. Don't be surprised if you hear a lot more of Shooting Daggers going forwards. The new six track EP Athames is available to buy now.