Doll - Rock N Roll Freakshow (2011)

Now this takes me back to the sleazy back streets of '80s metal, and great to see these guys still kickin' and screamin'. Who needs new sleaze bands aping the origins when we've got acts like Doll still slappin' on the lipstick n' leather. Here's a band whose attitude and image is backed up by the music. There's nothin better than a glam band who have the ability to write a good, meaty tune, so if you're here for that then get your teeth into the sweeping 'Til Death Do Us Part,' which builds into a fist pumping '80s rock n roll anthem, fantastic with the double vocal attack but my fave rave on the record is 'The Kind They Love To hate' with its driving solo and sleazoid swagger, reminding me of Alice Cooper style pomp. "There's a wanted poster with my face...." a timeless line, giving the album a dark undertone. So many glam bands were reliant on an almost plastic pout that was all too much bubblegum and little talent, but Doll display all the attributes every cool and sassy glam act requires to make it. I was already hooked by the fact that Doll now features Michael Hannon on bass - this guy has been in bands such as Dangerous Toys and Salty Dog, meanwhile Kery on vocals,well, what can one say, the guy is a legend, his sleazy croon, especially on 'Rock n Roll Freakshow' gives the band a harder edge - again, too many bands in the past have opted for a weaker approach. Yep, glam metal was all hair and make up but there have always been a few cool bands within the scene, and Doll are one of those that since 1981 have been kickin' out the jams, and now, in 2012 they are taking glam metal into the future. Rock on guys. 8/10