Steel Notes Magazine
Steel Notes Magazine
September 2016 Issue
Album Review
Barb Wire Dolls “Desperate”
Review By: Dana Saravia- Life-long rock & roller, current music critic and Girl From Baltimore
As a punk rock fan since the 70s, I’m always hoping to hear a current band who works
authentically with those influences and can bring that raw power and reckless energy into the
current music scene. It’s an even greater rarity when a band can also bring a hard-edged female
perspective to their lyrics, singing and songcraft. However, The Barb Wire Dolls do all that and
more with their new album “Desperate”.
The ferocious song “Drown” starts off the album. Featuring the throaty vocals of lead singer Isis
Queen, a tight rhythm section and snarly guitar work from lead guitarist Pyn Doll and rhythm
guitarist Remmington, it’s a kickass introduction to the band. “Surreal” immediately follows.
The pacing, instrumentation and melodic chorus on this song brings to mind a lost track off
Nirvana’s “Incesticide” sung by Babes In Toyland’s Kat Bjelland—an addictive and unique
combination. “Take Me Home” features some standout drumming from Krash Doll and on point
bass playing from Iriel Blaque adding atmosphere to the chaos and fury to this powerful song
about a prostitute’s life. The fourth track “Heart Attack” has a sound and tone reminiscent of one
of my favourite bands, 7 Year Bitch. With lyrics such as “Some say there’s no way/But we’ll
take a shot” and “We are young/We are strong/We are the ones/Here we come”, their boldness
and fuck it confidence are evident here. A fine example of defiant punk rock at its best. The title
track makes good use of the grunge era loud/soft dynamic with this take on a relationship turned
sour. Sounding like a scream from a wounded heart, it’s a raw and intimate song that brings fresh
blood to a familiar subject.
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July & August 2016