Devolution magazine said Hanging Doll from Birmingham were lining themselves up to be an ‘epic band’. I simply can’t argue with Insomnia magazine’s view that this E.P. is ‘well-written, well-played, well-produced’ but.... It's absolutely definitely NOT well put-together. Again it seems I differ from your run-of-the-mill reviewer. Ah well...
In general I have a lot of respect for Gothic Rock music, I love the musical quality, vocal finesse, depth and artistry. Although I don’t enjoy opera, I understand why Nightwish are so popular. I love the ethereal vocals of Sharon from Within Temptation. I love the heavy riffs and romantic interludes typical of Lacuna Coil.
What I don’t understand is why, if Sally Holliday and Co., alias Hanging Doll, are so popular and well-regarded, they have produced such a nondescript E.P. with which to promote themselves. All three songs on here sound similar; beautifully built, no doubt, but sadly with identical tempo throughout and lacking in any distinguishable features. It could be any romantic sounding Gothic Rock band, it could be any song. It all sounds the same and is therefore instantly forgettable.
I have all the time in the world for musicians who are good at their art. But those who would expect me to buy their stuff simply because it fits in a genre I have purchased in the past don’t get me reaching for my credit card, rather I yawn and say: not another one! Bring in Christina Scabbia, bring me attitude, bring me uniqueness! Bring me anything at all, so long as it assumes the listener is capable of independent thought. Don’t feed me mush that sounds like everything else and expect me to buy more.
I’ve heard good things of this band when they play live. This is not reflected in the choice of tracks for this E.P. I would rather have my teeth pulled than go to one of their shows, it might keep me awake for longer. That’s a damn shame, as they are obviously excellent musicians. Don’t buy the CD, try them live for a greater range of their repertoire, then make your decision. In the meantime guys, I heartily recommend you choose more interestingly for your next recording as there’s no doubt you are capable of so much more than this somnambulant offering. Zzzzzzzzzz…………………………