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Review of:
Damaged Dolls' "Catch Me" EP (2009)
Reviewed by Tawny Khat on July 8, 2009
CD provided courtesy of Damaged Dolls
Tracks:
1. Catch Me Alive
2. Another Filthy Memory
3. First Class Wannabe
"Catch Me" is the fourth EP, or demo as they're often called in Europe, to be released by Damaged Dolls, and the first with the band now performing as a three piece unit. Freddie has not only taken over lead vocal duties, filling the vacancy left by the band's original vocalist, Holm, but is now also the band's bass player, after the sudden departure of original bassist Jake earlier this year. Linkan (guitar), Lukas (drums) and Freddie have continued, undaunted, through the recent personnel changes and have now issued this new release.
Like the band's previous releases, they do an awesome job of capturing the sound of 80s era, Hollywood style, glammed up sleaze. Their huge world-wide following can attest to that fact. I've often heard them compared to Crashdiet, and I would have to agree with that assessment, although they're not an exact copy of Crashdiet. They do have their own sound, it's just that they share similarities with Crashdiet.
Freddie has done a super job of filling Holm's shoes. His vocals are strong, although a bit cleaner than Holm's, not quite as gritty as Holm's singing sometimes was, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Linkan's guitar playing seems to progress with each release and Lukas does his usual bang-up job on this release. All in all, Damaged Dolls has a winner on their hands and something their many fans are sure to love.
Damaged Dolls will be returning to the U.S. to play some shows, including a return to the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood, in August. But, before that they'll be performing in Germany and in their home country, Sweden. For info on those shows and to hear and purchase their music, visit the band's MySpace page or website.
DANGER's
entire discography!
Reviewed by: Tawny Khat on January 11, 2009
Over all, this band's sound contains elements of many of my favorite bands of the 80s, including Black N Blue, Tuff, Dirty Looks, Pretty Boy Floyd, Tigertailz, Shotgun Messiah, Skid Row, Dokken, and even a little Poison and Crue. The more I listen to this band, the more I love their music. I highly recommend them, and I look forward to seeing them perform live someday!
1. Playin' the Game (demo single - August 2006)
This demo included two tracks. The title track is a full throttle, heart racing tune that somewhat reminds me of early Crue. This release is probably the most "metal" of all their releases. The second song, "Burnin' Love", is also a high energy, head bangin' track with catchy guitar riffs. It's a bit similar to something Dirty Looks would have done. Jesse Kid's vocals are sort of a mix between Dirty Looks and Tuff, just perfect for this band's style!
2. Spread Your Legz (demo single - January 2007)
This second release by Danger also includes two tracks. The title track, "Spread Your Legz", opens with a rockin' scream from The Kid. This is a very sleazy glam tune in the finest tradition of Tuff or Pretty Boy Floyd. It has a great driving beat that gets you moving. The second song, "Rock n' Roll" could easily have come right out of 1986. It's more reminiscent of a Black N Blue song, maybe with a smattering of Pretty Boy Floyd. With each new release, DANGER shows growth and a better and better refinement of their signature sleazy glam sound!
3. California Red (demo single - April 2007)
DANGER's third release is probably my favorite one, and the title song on this three track release is probably my favorite song by the band. "California Red" is hit material and could even be a crossover hit on pop charts, like so many of Poison's tunes were. This song instantly makes you feel good and puts a smile on your face. It's a truly glam song with a catchy sound that makes you want to get up and dance. I know I keep comparing their songs to other bands, which is actually something I loathe doing, but it's unfortunately necessary in order to paint a picture of their style. However, keep in mind that even though I'm comparing them to these other bands, that doesn't mean they sound exactly like those bands. They have their own unique sound and style. With that it mind, the title track is a bit like something Tuff might have done back in the day. I just love this song! The second track is "Remedy to My Energy". It's a more fast-paced tune that somewhat reminds me of Shotgun Messiah's style, with just a bit of Pretty Boy Floyd thrown into the mix. The final track, "Midnight Teaser", is another very cool song. If you threw a little Black N Blue, Tigertailz, and PBF in a blender, this could be a song you'd end up with.
4. Shove it Up Your Azz (demo single - September 2007)
This demo single also features three songs. The first track is a high energy, bombastic tune that's reminiscent of Skid Row with a pinch of Black N Blue and PBF. It's a great song to listen to when you're in a f**k everyone mood. It epitomizes youth rebellion! This track is followed by the song, "Diamond Lightz", which sounds eerily like a Dokken tune. However, it's another great song from DANGER. The last tune on this demo is "On the Run". It also has a Dokken feel, but with some more Black N Blue melded into it. Although DANGER never mentions Black N Blue as being one of their influences, they certainly sound as if Black N Blue is an influence. I'm not saying they sound exactly like Black N Blue, it's just that there are elements of Black N Blue's style that is evident in DANGER's music, and that's a good thing! Black N Blue's a great band, so it's a complement to incorporate some of their style into one's music.
5. First Touch (promotional EP - June 2008)
DANGER's first EP features six tunes, three new tracks and two previously released tracks, plus another previously released song is included as a bonus track. This is my second favorite release by the band, after "California Red". The first tune is a new song, and the title track of the EP. It's a great fast moving song that again has a slight Black N Blue feel to it. The second track is also a new song entitled "Miss Money". It's a catchy tune with infectious guitar riffs, a la C.C. DeVille. It's like the fun songs done by bands such as Tuff and Pretty Boy Floyd that make you start tapping your foot, and the next thing you know your up and dancing! The third new song is "Hey You". It's also a very fun and catchy track, and is probably the song by DANGER that is most reminiscent of Black N Blue, but with a touch of Tigertailz, too. The next two songs I've already covered. They are "California Red" and "Shove It". The bonus track, "On the Run", I've also covered as well. They chose three great previously released tracks to accompany the three new ones, so as a promotional EP goes, this one is terrific!
DANGER just keeps getting better and better with each new release. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us in the future! In the meantime, you can download their songs for FREE by going to their website, www.danger.se , and their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/bestdanger . Be sure you also read my interview with guitarist, Rob Paris, for more info about DANGER's future plans!
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