If you're on the hunt for a unique whirlwind of an album, Daggerplay’s Subterranean Reality is the perfect fit. The album captures an 90’s punk tone, but also incorporates the early punk sound of classic bands such as The Ramones, Rancid, and The Clash. These Finnish rockers find a way to still remain original even with relatively mainstream influences. Fuelled by merciless punk rock rhythms, this group surprises you with the occasional sounds of violin, banjo, and glockenspiel.
This soon-to-be legendary quartet consists of lead vocalist Pekko Mantzin, guitarist and vocalist Tommi Luostarinen, drummer Sirpa Immonen and bassist Bryan Ugartechea. The group was formed at the end of 2011, and have been going strong ever since. Daggerplay is on the road to bringing back the classic sounds of punk, having released the album Subterranean Reality late last year in October. The band evidently masters combining genres such as power pop, skate punk and goth rock.
Subterranean Reality kicks off with a unique, explosive song titled, “Red Sky”. The song is a rebellious mixture of punk and western music, with the vibe of a fun, punk version of a cowboy ballad.
The third song of the album, “Don’t Give Up,” differentiates itself from the rest of this album lyrically, being the most heartfelt. Unlike the typical slow beat that you usually hear in ballads, Daggerplay uses a fast, upbeat sound with a hint of pop to help you keep your head held high.
The band has played over 100 gigs since they started, and are still actively playing shows. With high energy, mosh pit worthy shows, the group sincerely deserves the most admirable recognition for all their dedication and passion for their art. Daggerplay does not imitate their inspirations, but rather appreciates the masters of punk and rock to create their own sound.
"Cruel Wind Blowing" proves how capable this band is of creating a blistering anthem. With a passionate melody, angst filled lyrics, and a rapid chorus hook that will make you get up and throw your fist in the air, the track is perfected by Pekko Mantzin's vocals. On the topic of fun swift anthems, some honourable mentions are “Days Like These”, “Four Walls”, and “Same Old Same Old”.
With this 14 song album, Daggerplay shows the world that they have found their sound within their second stunner of an album, and prove it with closing song “Sinister Blues”.