“Dagger or a Dram’s music exhibits confidence—that one thing so many acts try to convince people they have but don’t.”
–The Noise Jamaica Plain, MA

Tommy McKnight and James Chiarelli formed Dagger or a Dram to fulfill their constant thirst for two things: Rock and whisky. Both are easily accessible and should be enjoyed responsibly, or irresponsibly. Tommy and James, both formerly of the band PCR, began playing together in the Fall of 2002. Shortly after, they began writing and recording with drummer Jesse Norris and bassist Drew Fincke. In the summer of 2007, they began recording under the name Dagger or a Dram along with Chris Phillips on keyboards. The band also called upon Arthur Chaillou as an additional guitarist. Later that winter, Dagger's first album, 9, was released. The record was recorded in August of 2007 at Post Colonial Studios in West Bridgewater, MA and Acton, MA. The finished product was mixed at Blue Jay Studios and mastered at MWorks in Cambridge, MA.

Dagger or a Dram’s music has been described as original material layered with melodies and sonic landscapes that capture the listener from the get-go; Rock and Roll in the spirit of The Faces, The Band, and Neil Young. The music itself is influenced by "classic rock" and producers like Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno.

"Dagger or a Dram has the opportunity to reach a large audience with its sound. The production and performance are awesome."- Jimmy Dee Caterine - EvO:R Entertainment

With the release of 9 in the winter of 2007, Dagger finally made it to the stage on April 25th, 2008 at Copperfield’s in Boston. Since then, the band has played to enthusiastic audiences at various clubs throughout the city, including a sold out show at the Hard Rock Café. In addition they have taken to the stage at some of Boston's best clubs, including The Middle East, Bill's Bar, Oliver’s, and Church.

Recording for Dagger or a Dram’s second album began back in early December with the tracking of the drums and bass at Post Colonial Studios in West Bridgewater. Guitar and keyboard overdubs were recorded in late December and early January at the equally comfortable Acton branch of Post Colonial Records. Although the majority of the vocals were recorded at Berklee College of Music with the help of Kevin Gundlach of Sizzlechest, some additional vocals were recorded at Post Colonial Records. The second album will be titled In the Fall and include 6 original songs and an additional remix featuring Asleep in a Box. The cd was mixed at Post Colonial Records and mastered at MWorks in Cambridge, MA. In the Fall was released in late April.

With the Dagger line up in full force, they move into 2010 with a new album and an ever-growing fan base behind them.
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