RIOT
AT THE SHEEP TRIALS - Sonic Dolls (Stardumb)
German band The Sonic Dolls have put together an album full of mostly short, sharp, feisty punk tunes and it's be the undeniably energetic performances that provide the main highlight of this, their fifth release following the "Boys' Night
Out",
"Real Takes", "Live at the Puked" and "Bionik". "Words of Love" opens the CD with a robotic voice sample and a catchy beat and would do the likes of The Ramones and Electric Frankenstein proud. "Angry Dolls" continues the energetic playing as The Sonic Dolls, urge those bands which play "bad" music and only rehearse to give it up while they rip it up in a fashion that would have The Saints (ca "Erotic Neurotic") and mainstream Californian punk acts Offspring, NoFx nodding in agreement. "Don't come Around" has an introduction that The Ramones would smile upon but is let down by the cheesy Californian punk production sound and antics.
That's a weakness throughout - the slick CalPunk sound abounds, not only guitar wise but also in the harmony vocals. "Time Bomb:, like "Words of Love", has an introductory sample (most likely sourced from the "Everybody Loves Raymond" television show and its character Robert Barone advising a friend that "love is the only chance at happiness..."). "Searching for Action" is somewhat of a departure on the album and is somewhat influenced by the likes of The New Bomb Turks and The Onyas.
The album closes with "I Wait" and is an opportunity for singer-guitarist Eric J President to sing a country/folk inspired love song probably in a less than serious manner.
For those seeking mainstream Californian punk sounds performed energetically by Europeans, The Sonic Dolls "Riot at the Sheep Dog Trials" is probably for you. - Simon Li
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