We have reached a point where so many music hybrids are floating around. Call it evolution or a lack of true identity; navigating through can sometimes be overwhelming. Often, there is a mismatch of styles that do not seem to fit, but then there are also those finding the right formula, like England’s Air Drawn Dagger.
Deriving their name from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Air Drawn Dagger is a relatively new name to many. Still, the trio (Vocalist Maisie Manterfield, Guitarist Lewis Budden, and Drummer Ross Dore) formed nearly ten years ago when they started writing and recording music.
Creating songs that combine Punk Rock energy and distinctive singing, Air Drawn Dagger quickly evolved with the interjection of other elements, which helped them attract more attention around the UK. In fact, Air Drawn Dagger’s dedication and bold approach to songwriting prompted interest from Germany’s Long Branch Records, which signed them to a deal in early 2025.
Joining a roster of other unique Modern Rock bands like As Everything Unfolds, Black Orchid Empire, and Exploring Birdsong, promptly Air Drawn Dagger put out their single “Castle” to celebrate the signing. A song full of addictive vocal hooks and raw energy, soon after came the Alternative Metal leaning “Apparitions” featuring vocals from Trashboat’s Tobias Duncan, the powerful groove of “Sanctifound,” and a more pure form of Pop Punk with “Bellyaches.”
Four tracks in total, each bears little resemblance to the next, but this is in no way a negative thing. Instead of being lost in a sea of confusion, Air Drawn Dagger shows they can mix up the styles and tempos while still creating something interesting. That is why the release of their debut full-length album on April 4, 2025, is met with a ton of curiosity. Entitled A Guide For Apparitions, the album relies heavily on melodies and the unpredictable diversity of Vocalist Maisie Manterfield. Shifting her emotions at will in each song, some moments sound quirky, and others soar with intense passion.
Riding high the signature delivery of Maisie Manterfield, songs like “Teeth” hold their own, while “Skinwalkers” shakes you up with compelling grooves and electronic accents. Meanwhile, “MaidenMotherCrone” immediately grabs your attention, and “Cadavers” drips with haunting lyrics.
Overall, seeking to label Air Drawn Dagger is pointless because what do labels honestly mean? Chalk them up to a high-energy Rock band with a Pop Punk foundation that explores other parts of the pinwheel. Whatever it is, the band is highly diverse and even mixes in with the Alternative Metal scene. Certainly different and something that sticks in your head, Cryptic Rock recommends Air Drawn Dagger and gives the debut album A Guide For Apparitions 4 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment