Personally understanding the indirect experience of a loved one being stabbed, I sense a bit of truth to this digital release from I had An Accident Records. If there is no truth, then there is indeed something important within these eleven mind-fucking songs of fear, violence, adrenaline, and bliss.
From Seamus Williams, a feedback composer who has also been known to stop by to collaborate as a guest with the member(s) of Heart Heart Julia, “Dagger” is a possible interpretation of one of the most (or least) violent occurrences within modern society. Envision a man sauntering down a lonesome sidewalk. It is far past midnight; this man is most likely on his way home from the local pub. Suddenly he hears the crunching of gravel due to a distant footstep. His nerves pinch together briefly and he begins to ponder whether or not he is being followed. As if he is in the hall of the Mountain King (or as if he is Mario Mario being followed by Boo), the man turns and investigates shortly until continuing onward. He hears a few more awkward noises and the suspicion rises once again, only now it is more intense and somewhat aware. The man finds it puzzling how such an otherwise silent night could become so disturbed. He turns a corner, into a dark and seemingly endless alleyway lined with a chainlink fence at each side. The supposed follower seems to be nearer and the man quickens his pace nervously. He catches a shadowy figure wearing a blue windbreaker from his peripheral vision and realizes that the follower is indeed real. The man then gasps without noticing himself and begins to sprint while still attempting to remain calm. It is of no use though. The peace of his night has been shattered by terror and a noisy turmoil suddenly arises in his ears. He shields his ears and feels a warm and painful sensation from one shoulder to the rest of his entire body. This situation is summed up musically within the first three songs by The Phoney Liberals.
The fourth song, “Fruit,” is the truly unique track of “Dagger.” Sounding like an Electric Hellfire Club jam without the black metal or electronic beats, it is a rebellious, untuned anthem of increasing power and will to battle. The man cries out to his attacker, both in pain and in anger, and attempts to turn around and lunge forward with all of his might.
“Hcsob” is the beginning of this defense. What was one-sided has instantaneously become a war without any certain outcome. The fury continues with the next two tracks. Then follows a sense of mystery, as neither the man nor his attacker know exactly what has just happened. The man has dreadfully tired himself out and his foe takes advantage. The song “Refund” is complete with the appropriate and haunting screams. He then tires himself out as well and leaves the alleyway after robbing his victim of valuables.
“Hempnecklace,” a recycled Switchblade Dicks B-side of the same title (or is it vice versa?), suggests the man’s gradual hope for serenity as he welcomes the numbness that blankets his wounded body. The listener of “Dagger” is shockingly tricked as the chaos ensues once again…how? No one is sure. There is a reassurance within the final song, “Wanker,” that the man is paid his dues of eventually reaching a promised land and a peaceful death (that is easily accepted).
Of course, this may not be the intention of Seamus Williams nor The Phoney Liberals at all by releasing “Dagger.” If nothing specific or truthful can be deciphered, something meaningful to social philosophy can. That coupled with one musician’s hella vast amount of creativity makes “Dagger” one of the best albums of its year.
