THE DRESDEN DOLLS
YES, VIRGINIA
Roadrunner

How do we describe The Dresden Dolls? A bizarre hybrid of goth, pop, cabaret and kitsch, the duo of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione may well be the first (successful) band to emerge as part of the neo-burlesque movement, mixing quaint theatrical rock with - on stage at least - dancers, strippers and other burlesque acts. All of which would be admirable but not enough if their music didn't live up to the spectacular and the image.

Thankfully, The Dresden Dolls are probably one of the most interesting and inspired bands to emerge in many a year. Their music pretty much defies easy categorisation, and so manages to appeal to a wide variety of people - yet doesn't do so by compromising or becoming 'easy'.

This second LP a glorious work - absolutely chock full of catchy, edgy tunes like Backstabber, Shores of California and Dirty Business which combine witty (and biting) lyrics with a splendid drum/piano combo which goes to show that not all two piece acts need be as dull as the White Stripes.

Beautiful, eerie, sexy and cheeky, The Dresden Dolls will probably become massive. Get aboard the bandwagon before everyone else does...

DAVID FLINT

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