Dolls On Fire - Ladies and Gentlemen

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Dolls On Fire - Ladies and Gentlemen
2012, Dolls On Fire

Kansas City quintet Dolls On Fire is about as post-modern as you can get.  Influences range from The Rentals to NeonTrees and Feist to She and Him.  With an irreverentdisregard for traditional pop slickness, Dolls On Fire manage to crank outdeliciously catchy pop songs that are just off-kilter enough to make youuncomfortable, but with big enough hooks to drag you along for the ride.  Check out the seven songs on their debut EP, Ladies and Gentlemen, and you’ll behooked.Dolls on firekick things off with the low key synth punk of "Give Me A Reason ToLove", a catchy and sinuous rocker with a decided dark side. This is agreat start, riven with real energy and vitality. This energy is maintained on"Hosanna (On The Radio)", the story of a childhood friend; a wildchild turned rock star. There is a definite sour grapes feel here, but the songhas a solid vibe. Things get a bit shaky however between the growing vitrioland the unfortunate use of a vocoder.

Rachel Jaggard takes over vocals on "Minotaur", a soulful riff onhidden violent natures. This has a dark quasi 1970's soul/rock feel that wearson you. "GFY (300 Hands)" is an amusing little posthumous kiss offsong. Once again there is an inherent musical darkness here that is intriguing."A Boy Like Me" maintains this feel, but pares the darkness with abuoyant melody that grows into complicated minor keys and pointedly messy vocalharmonies.  Dolls On Fire find a bit oftwisted pop magic on "Jem Vs. The Volcano". The vocals click here,and the arrangement will keep your feet moving even if you actively resist. TheEP comes to a close with "No One Will Love You Unless You're A Man",a dark and messy pop gem that combines Dolls On Fire in characteristic popgenius with their deconstructive melodic sensibilities.

Whether you dig what Dolls On Fire have going on or not, you'll be forced toadmit they are certainly original and interesting.  Musical precision is occasionally sacrificedat the altar of art on Ladies And Gentlemen,but most listeners will get it and be delighted or at least intrigued at thecasual rebellion displayed by Dolls On Fire.Rating:           3.5 Stars(Out of 5)Learn more atwww.facebook.com/dollsonfire.