Review: Valley Of The Dolls

Valley Of The Dolls - No Shame (Dancing Stick Productions)
Named after Jacqueline Susann’s famous novel about three young women finding fame, fortune and ultimately drug-fueled self-destruction, I’m sure the four women who comprise Valley Of The Dolls - Jill Myhill (lyrics and vocals), Bev De Schoolmeester (bass and backing vocals), Ayala Liran (guitar), Vasoulla Antoniadou (drums) - would settle for the first two out of the three. Their debut album, “No Shame” marks a promising start.

Their alt. rock stylings nod respectfully to a number of bands, from The Runaways and Blackhearts to post-punkers like The Slits and The Go-Go’s. Indeed there’s even a hint of Belinda Carlisle’s power-pop pitch in Myhill’s voice, especially on the more immediate, radio friendly material. Not that there’s much here that going to cause the average radio programmer many problems. Myhill’s songs are accessible and fresh, and the band provides plentiful hooks for the listener. The title track has become an instant favourite, its insistent bass line and Liran’s guitar swoops providing maximum thrills. They’re just as good when they’re slowing things down on “Shake Some Action” (not the Groovies song) or the refined “Touch The Water”.
www.dancingstickproductions.com
Rob F.