Doll Hazard “Transatlantic Meltdown”

This is a release from a duo of Chris Damian Doll and Sandy Hazard who are actually in two other bands, Dirtbag Republic (a band we’ve reviewed and loved (see here) and Suicide Bombers. They instantly appeal to us by talking of influences like Hanoi Rocks, Motley Crue and the Sex Pistols. Their Facebook profile asks if you like getting your ass kicked by rock n roll? The answer to that is a definite yes from us.

Right from the off it is quite clear that this is going to be a rocking album. Songs like “Cats Got Your Tongue”, “Walk On Water” and “Transatlantic Meltdown” are driven by dirt riffs and sleazy vocals…..just what we like! Let’s face it, with song titles like “Rock n Roll Prostitute” you kind of know subtlety won’t be high on their agenda. However, along with tracks like “You’re In My Head” and “Sci-Fi Child” it’s a reminder of when bands were content to kick out great hard rock songs that were debaucherous but still melodic.

The sleazy punk rock sound of “Gasoline” and “Grams (Off My Shoulder)” really remind us of Backyard Babies when they were in their early youthful and cocky prime. Whilst “No Valentine Cards” and “Doghouse” are the sort of glam metal that back in the day would’ve been rivalling the likes of Ratt and Poison in the US charts. Pop metal may be a dirty word to some, but we loved it and these songs sound damn good which is all that matters.

To be honest this album might not be very ‘now’. It’s a throwback to the glory days of the sunset strip or the Scandinavian rock scene. However, unlike some bands this doesn’t fall in to the realms of being just parody (hello Reckless Love). These still sound like fresh and exciting rock songs. There’s not enough of these in music these days, so all we say is more power to Doll Hazard.