Let's Talk Daggers

Winter EP

Written by: AP on 05/11/2012 12:55:44

On the previous "Blankets" EP two years ago, Let's Talk Daggers impressed us with a widly ecclectic sound that drew parallels to bands as different as Bastions, Norma Jean, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. It promised of great things for a band that is obviously not afraid to be different, and as such, it was with quite a bit of enthusiasm that I found myself anticipating the release of the follow-up, another EP titled "Winter", earlier this year.

One must commend Let's Talk Daggers for dabbling into a wealth of influences so fearlessly, not to mention for incorporating those influences into excellent songs. Mind you, these are not the sort of songs that are instantly memorable given their chaotic essence, but what Let's Talk Daggers cannot offer in memorabilia, they make up for in originality - though that word should be swallowed with a grain of salt considering the overt similarities to The Dillinger Escape Plan in parts of the album. Few bands have been able to mimic the lunacy of that band, but there are moments in both "Bear of Bad News" and "Casino Coates" where Let's Talk Daggers are quite successful at doing just that, the dizzying maelstroms of seemingly atonal, arhythmic noise recalling the psychotic nature of songs like "Panasonic Youth". But what's so wonderful about these songs is that Let's Talk Daggers have understood to tie things together with more straightforward sections so as to ease the chaos and provide the listener with anchor points. The result is that against all odds, those songs actually have quite a bit of lasting value.

Sadly the same cannot be said of "Have a Gabble", on which Let's Talk Daggers lay down their wildest set of contrasting influences and consequently bite off a bit too much than they can chew. The song jumps from funky hardcore into grindcore and then into catchy pop punk within the space of the first minute, and while the transitions are executed with finesse, the overall impression that the song leaves is a little schizophrenic - though this is perhaps its intention. It is not a bad song, but it is certainly one that requires more time to digest than the first two picks. That last, "Humannequin", is an all out hardcore punk piece that ought to go down well with fans of Black Flag, OFF!, etcetera, though it too has its moments of cacophony striking out of its relatively sensible core. Its outro sounds like an outtake from a psychedelic stoner rock jam as well, and in my book that can hardly ever be a bad thing.

If compared to "Blankets", "Winter" is definitely the crazier record, and it must be said that some of the lasting value suffers because of it. It still boasts music that is compositionally interesting and has a style that cannot be compared to many other bands, but in terms of impact and memorability, it isn't quite the slap in the face that "Blankets" was. If, however, you're on the lookout for some innovative hardcore, Let's Talk Daggers is likely to satisfy your needs to the fullest extent.

Download: Bear of Bad News, Casino Coates
Listen: Facebook
For the fans of: Bastions, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Long Haul

Release date 12.03.2012
Tangled Talk Records

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