Barb Wire Dolls “Desperate”

Crete, isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when we think of punk rock, but that’s where the Barb Wire Dolls hail from. Perhaps less surprising, is that they caught the attention of the legend that was Lemmy Kilmister. Indeed, he was so impressed with them that this album is being released on his label, Motorhead Music.

Like their former patron, it’s probably fair to say that the Barb Wire Dolls aren’t exactly focussed on subtlety. They don’t ease you gently into the album, but instead come out blazing with the in your face punk rock of “Drown”. Along with tracks like “Heart Attack” and “Darby Crash” it combines the sniping, gutter rock, guitar riffs and snarling vocals.

There’s more of a grunge feel and darker style to songs like title track “Desperate” and “Surreal”. Indeed, the latter of those two songs sounds like Hole using their more commercial sound to cover a Nirvana song! Indeed, amongst all the punk rock attitude, when you really listen to songs like “Taking Me Home” and “I Will Sail” you also sense that the band have an ear for a good melody and a sound that could achieve a wider commercial success.

The Barb Wire Dolls seem to be determined to make sure that they don’t keep things too comfortable or straightforward for the listener. The grungier sound returns with “Blind To Your Misery”, a song that will initially get Goths heading to the dancefloor, before they are probably then scared off by the more upbeat and rocking chorus. The album does, however, end as it pretty much started, with the more straightforward punk n roll of “Rhythm Method”.

In many ways, Barb Wire Dolls may wish to underplay the Motorhead link. Whilst there are plenty of straight forward rockers on this album, they are far from being any kind of female fronted punk metal band, they offer a lot more than that. Indeed, the great thing about this album, is that it leaves you with an overwhelming desire to see the band live. You just get the sense that they will be a force to be reckoned with in a live environment.