I saw the Dolls perform last year and, despite lead vocalist Maya not appearing topless with gaffer-taped ‘bits’, I really enjoyed the show. This is the debut album and doesn’t disappoint with its loud, rhythmic, electro sounds.

‘The Stripper’ fairly bellows in with a solid bass-line that threatens to stir the foundations of my home. A killer rhythm and shimmering disco vibe serves as an introduction to the album, “Well fellas you’re late/And Maya I’m here/The boys in the band decide to appear/We walk through the door and savour the air/The girls…” Then there’s a cheeky song called ‘Prince Harry’ followed by a gothic, synth dominated ‘My Vampire’ that’s spilling over with smooth sleaze and lyrics set to raise the heart-rate a tad. All light, danceable and enjoyable stuff. Next track’Right And Right Again’ is the band’s first single and understandably so. A heavy bass-line, strong melody, nice guitar licks and the sweetest Maya vocal should ensure both airplay and sales. Then arrives the upbeat, jagged beats of ‘Trash The Rental’ with the suggestive opening lyric, “What’s driving me is driving you/Born from the same, raised from the same glue.” ‘I’m Not Cool’ is an album highlight with its powerful melody, and reflective tone, while ‘Bang Bang Bang’ is my favourite with its inventive vocal harmonies that dart sharply in an out, strong melody, and wafting Hammond passages. Pick of the rest is the lyrically strong, contemplative, dark vibe of ‘The Rest For The Wicked’, and ‘Pleasures of Soho’ with its mournful pace and another good lyric (“I’m so happy it hurts/I’m so happy you smile/I’m so happy you flirt and for this I’d crawl a mile”). The album finishes strongly with a song I remember well from the band’s live show. ‘1724’ mixes talking and singing vocals with strong melody, and the darkest instrumental vibe on the album. With the Soho Dolls what you see is precisely what you get – sleaze, strong dance vibe, a sexy ambience, and surprisingly good (sometimes self-effacing) lyrics. It may not be a great album, but it’s certainly a very likeable one.

3/5