It's been over two years since Dollhouse released their debut album “The rock and soul circus”, and I'm glad to report that the intervening years have been put to good use, for this is a very good, but too short album.

Dollhouse continue in the similar vein to their previous work, and opener “the rock and soul fever” has a very catchy chorus, with plenty of The Stooges and Bellrays overtones. “With my heart and soul” takes a quick chat with early Free , while ”I just don't care” journeys into the back catalogue of Jimi Hendrix and Rolling Stones.   “Living tomorrow” and “Do you kow what I mean” delves into the pure essence of MC5 , with a perfect frantic twin guitar Wayne Kramer/Fred Sonic Smith -like solo fest.

While we're name dropping the talented, versatile, and omnipresent guitarist Nicke Royale ( Hellacopters ) produced Dollhouse and his treatment gives the songs a full-bodied feel that includes a thick, rubbery bass sound, and natural smoking guitar delivery. The drums sound just right. Vocalist Chris Winter has a forceful presence; the instruments don't make room for him, so he just muscles his way into the arrangements. Nicke and organ player Henrik Widen (Diamond Dogs) put in short guest appearances. Soundwise , Dollhouse are what you would expect from a band in the garage rock ‘n' roll style. “Royal rendez-vous ” takes it all down a notch with blues rock songs that probably wouldn't be out of place on an early KISS and Led Zeppelin album. Each of these songs, as well as most of the rest on the disc are good listens, and should be given their time in the stereo. Of course, with most up tempo tracks rattling along in under 3 minutes, you don't really have time to get bored!

85/100

Cosmicmasseur.