NICOTINE DOLLS: NICOTINE DOLLS
NICOTINE DOLLS have found their true form in their self-titled sophomore album. Coming out on the 23 October under BMG, the upcoming release explodes with authentic lyrics and blues riffs, which give their fans an ode to Americana.
After only being formed in 2018, NICOTINE DOLLS have amassed a dedicated following of supporters. A part of this is likely due to the band's devotion to honing their craft; it's why they scrapped their original attempt at a second album and started over. It seems that since their debut with An Attempt at Romantic, they've been searching for a sound that felt authentic to them.
It's clear that their upcoming album has the spark they wanted. Frontman Sam Cieri describes the project as "the first real NICOTINE DOLLS record", which can largely be credited to guitarist John Newsome, who brings a strong technicality to his performance, lending the record a level of polish.
The 12-track collection burns with regret and unburdened passion, and is fearless in expressing its emotional depth. The first track, 'Wild,' is where this journey begins. Cieri brings a typical rock'n'roll growl to his vocals, which lends the song a more classic feel. As the album's introduction, it shows you that NICOTINE DOLLS have crafted a fully honed sound. Tension builds and continues to rise until the song's crescendo towards the end. Each part of the band is in full force, and the song is a great representation of what's to come on the record.
'Gimme Sympathy' is where listeners can hear more of an edge from NICOTINE DOLLS. I especially appreciate Cieri’s performance because of the angst he brings to this song. It contrasts well with the softer, gospel-sounding chorus and brings something new to the track.
'Here To California' is one of the singles already released with its own music video, and it brings a welcome change of tone to the project. With less rock'n'roll grit and more heartfelt emotion, the song feels cinematic. It's here that I notice the band's affinity for Kings Of Leon, with their sentimental lyrics and soft vocal breaks. The track has a warm guitar tone and one of my favourite choruses. I can picture people loving it live on the upcoming tour.
With its smooth, bluesy start, 'To The Wolves' is slower than the other songs. So many parts of the album feel as though they've been taken from the emotional peak of a film, and this track continues that trend. The lyrics, like “Don’t look back as I’m calling out your name”, are vulnerable and sensitive, but it's the space they give Newsome to lead with his solos that elevates the gloomy mood.
The next few songs edge towards a more country sound. 'Drive Away' radiates power with soulful riffs, while tracks like 'Punch Drunk Lovin’' and 'I’m Right Here' continue the intimacy through a more stripped-back side of NICOTINE DOLLS.
What's at the core of this album is its vulnerability. With arrangements that are so passionate and personal, listeners are given an earnest look into heartache that's often missed in alt-rock works.
'Little Games' is catchy and gives you a chorus to sing along to, but it's 'Enemy' that shows the band's revitalised sense of self. The song has Newsome's guitar harmonising with Cieri’s vocals in a way that feels unique. Punchy, rough and direct, the song confidently displays the new NICOTINE DOLLS.
This feeling is cemented with the closing track, 'Wanted You To Know,' which ties in well with the theme of the album through its epic choruses and meticulous instrumentation.
Altogether, I agree with Cieri that fans can think of this record as the first true iteration of what the band are really about. Carving their own path, you can expect to hear the music that Cieri, Newsome and drummer Abel Tabares truly want to make.