ALBUM REVIEW: “Dagger” by IST IST
Tomorrow sees the release of the new, fifth studio album “Dagger” from IST IST. Formed in 2014 in Manchester IST IST built a solid following on the Manchester live scene, playing venues such as Gorilla, The Deaf Institute and the Ritz. They released a number of singles and the EP’s “Spinning Rooms” in 2018 and then “Everything is Different Now” in 2019. 2020 saw the release of their debut album “Architecture” which released number 3 in the UK Independent Album Chart, bringing their unique sound to a wider audience.
“Architecture” was our introduction to IST IST, the first album we reviewed at LiveWire Music. It is still a regular play for us and remains one of my favourite debut albums. This was followed by “The Art of Lying” in 2021, “Protagonists” 2023 and then “Light a Bigger Fire” in 2024. Still a ferocious touring band, they’ve also released nine live albums throughout their career so far.
IST IST are Adam Houghton (vocals), Mat Peters (guitar & synths), Andy Keating (bass) and Joel Kay (drums).
“Dagger” which is out tomorrow, has been in the works for some time.
As guitarist Mat Peters reflects:
“We started working on the album as soon as we got back from the European tour in late 2024. The momentum you carry from a tour into the studio is powerful and you’re still in that live headspace, so the music you write in those moments tends to be more visceral. You go with the flow a little bit more rather than it being methodical. What you end up with is a collection of songs already primed for the stage.”
IST IST have worked with esteemed producer Joe Cross (Hurts, Courteeners, Slow Readers Club), tasking him with creating a conduit with which to conduct their big ideas. Rekindling the chemistry that had spawned their previous work together, pretty soon, something special began to materialise from the partnership again.
Bass player Andy Keating adds:
“We wanted to make some braver and more brash choices during the recording process. We wanted to make this record for ourselves first and foremost. There was no agenda beyond capturing the post-tour energy and playing the sort of things we wanted to listen to. The result of that is our most direct album since our debut ‘Architecture’.
The album opens with I Am The Fear with a sequenced synth intro, rich in electro-pop vibes before the deep bass and drums join in, and finally a wall of guitar riffs. Adam’s trademark booming baritone come in, and immediately I notice a difference. There seems to be more edge to the vocals, cutting and precise. It’s a belter of an opener, made to be played loud, with pulsing rhythm and a heavier industrial sound than before – more metal…… I’m lovin’ this…..
This is followed by Makes No Difference and Warning Signs both of which are packed with power riffs, with hooks that just reel you in to the music. Andy’s bass, as ever a key feature of their sound prominent throughout, creating a beat that is made for live performance. Warning Signs in particular has a real goth feel to it and a catchy chorus section screaming out for large crowds to be chanting back to the stage.
Check out the video for Warning Signs on YouTube below:
Burning hits different for IST IST, with it’s intro that screams power rock before it twists through 180 and relies on Adam’s vocals for a time, before the track takes off. It has a ‘made for radio’ feel to it, and could be a key track for breaking into a wider audience. Its majestic rock royalty. This is followed by The Echo back to more usual IST IST territory with it’s driving guitars and deep, dirty bass tone.
The second half of the album starts with a real change …… a synth only intro to Encouragement, more frequently heard on something like a Tangerine Dream album – a real SciFi moment. It drifts in on airy tones before a sequenced section rises, modulating to create interest in the tone, before the bass and drums kick in. Very experimental….. and very good also cinematic in its scope. The first half of the track is instrumental only, it builds and has a real catchy beat running through it. There’s a real pop feel to it, one to dance along to.
I Remember Everything builds on this momentum and here the guitars have a more crisp, clear tone underpinning the vocals, which deliver some deep, dark lyrics, with lines such as “I’ll remember everything the day the clouds parted”. It roars into life during the huge chorus sections, which once again are intense, yet catchy and enjoyable.
Obligations hits you from the off, and is one continuous catchy hook of a track - Intense throughout and never lifts for a second, with some great harmony vocals. Again there’s a darkness to the lyrics but delivered in a way that makes it engaging.
As with Encouragement earlier, Song for Someone is a step away from the usual IST IST formula once again. There’s an ethereal feel to the synth work here, glistening and delicate. It’s gothic, romantic and atmospheric and supports Adam’s vocals perfectly. It is a song that feels like it is constantly boiling up, ready to burst into life and each time you reach that point it expertly fades back and builds again. Musical torture ! lol.
The album ends with Ambition which is a towering example of classic IST IST at it’s utter utter best. Loud bass in the mix, thumping drums and powerful riffs driving the track along, with their trademark dark lyrics draped over it all. With lines like “I heard the desperation in your words” and “I dread to think what else is deep inside your mind” it speaks of desperation especially with words like “I’ll cry, to the eyes, on the outside looking in”.
IST IST have long been a favourite here at LiveWire, but “Dagger” feels different….. Different ina good way….. a VERY good way. It still has that core IST IST flavour but there’s something new here. The tracks just seem to suck you in with their creative and catchy chorus sections. It can be very dark and brooding, but in an accessible way, and in a way that just makes you want to get up and dance. Any of the tracks here would sit brilliantly in their live set.
My favourite IST IST album has always been their debut “Architecture”…. And maybe…. We have a new sherrif in town.
“Dagger” is new, exciting, dramatic and entertaining. IST IST have taken a different direction and taking us on a more expansive journey - and I love it – A 10 from LiveWire and an album you really should experience !
“Dagger” is out on Friday 6th February 2026 and can be ordered HERE.
IST IST will be touring to support the new album in April 2026. A full list of shows is below:
09 April – The Waterfront, Norwich
10 April – The Garage, London
11 April – Phoenix, Exeter
12 April – O2 Academy, Oxford
16 April – The Grove, Newcastle
17 April – Oran Mor, Glasgow
18 April – Network, Sheffield
23 April – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
24 April – Thekla, Bristol
25 April – Quarters, Brighton
28 April – The Grand Social, Dublin
29 April – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
Following the release of “Daggers” IST IST are performing a huge home coming show at Manchester’s Albert Hall on Friday 1st May 2026, with support from Desperate Journalist and The Youth Play. Tickets are on sale now for all shows and available to buy HERE.
9 April - The Waterfront - Norwich
