Having walked through seemingly never ending rain from Camden Town, The Fiddler’s Elbow offered sweet relief from London’s icy winds. This night was to host Dollhouse on the final date of their mini-tour, along with a chance to hear from a couple of other bands - the first of whom didn’t turn up. Having acquired a rather comfortable sofa, we settled in for what we expected to be a night of incredible music.
Sadly, this was not to be, as the first act of the night were Roses and Pirates: a band forged in mediocrity and banality, like a sickening mix of Ben Howard and Mumford and Sons. In using the same strumming patterns, harmonies and melodies in every song, it was hard to tell one menial attempt at acoustic prevail from another. Their nerves were infectious and unsettling for onlookers (of which there were only a few) and their lack of any stage presence made them a difficult band to watch, regardless of their lacklustre music.
After this painfully perpetual set, Dollhouse took to the stage in a burst of Krautrock vibes and insanity. This was certainly a step up from Roses and Pirates, with each member bringing an elaborate persona to the stage: be it a moody, unnerving stance or a beguiling smile. This said, whether or not their outlandish frontman Zak’s seemingly manic persona was due to true showmanship or his large alcohol consumption will forever remain a mystery, but we can assume it to be the former. Dollhouse effortlessly powered through song after song, sucking you deeper into their whirlpool of vagary and esotericism, as well as performing each one with every fibre of their being: clearly they love what they’re doing.
Overall, the night sprang from one extreme to another, thankfully replacing the prosaic with a more avant garde and interesting sound. Dollhouse are definitely a band to keep your eye on - watch this space.
Written by Hannah Lee
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