WOMAD

Doll By Doll

From United Kingdom

Fifteen years after their final gig, this most different (and even difficult) of British rock bands has reformed for a few choice shows to celebrate the upcoming release of their four albums on CD for the first time. Doll By Doll formed in Dorset in 1977, but although this was the beginning of punk's popularity, the band was never easily classified as a punk group. Their performances had the energy and rage of the time, but their songs dealt with fires burning internally. The deep and challenging psychology of their material made many uncomfortable (which was at least partly the idea) but on stage they could be electrifying - as well as scarily funny. A 1978 tour with Devo provided one of the strangest double bills of the time, with both bands pushing the boundaries of song formats, or presentation, or subject matter. In the period from 1977-82, Doll By Doll made four albums - 'Remember', 'Gypsy Blood', 'Doll By Doll' and 'Ground Passion' - and toured extensively. But, in the words of Brian Wilson, perhaps they weren't quite made for those times. The group's members - Joe Shaw (guitar, vocals), Robin Spreafico (vocals, bass), David McIntern (percussion, vocals) and Jackie Leven (guitar, vocals) - went their separate ways, with Leven returning to the spotlight over the past four years. His solo albums (and a series of shows for WOMAD, including one here in Morecambe) have shown a mature artist dealing with male problems in a strong and sensitive style. The most recent of these albums, 'Fairytales for Hardmen', features contributions from Shaw, McIntern and Irish bassist Kevin Foster, who has joined the three original members for the Doll By Doll reunion.