ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive melodic punk from Barb Wire Dolls on Rub My Mind

WITH a host of accolades from the late Lemmy amongst a host of others Barb Wire Dolls have had quite a boost in their punk tinged rock attack.

With the release of 'Rub My Mind' the question lingering with many is can the early hype be justified. And, the answer is a most definite yes.

The five women from Crete have produced an album that ranges from the tender 'Fade Away' through to the abrasive 'Call Me'

It is 13-tracks that fly in the face of everything that pop punk represented in the noughties, taut and poised.

Isis Queen has a vocal ability that rages and sneers at its most aggressive and thoughtful tones when  needed, with Pyn Doll's lead work ripping through the rhythm section with all the high notes that late 70s and early 80s punk revelled in.

And, while it sounds like an album rooted in its day, the reflection of those heady days of punk sets it apart from many pretenders. With songs like 'Where The Mountains Drink The Wine' they seem uncannily aware that the likes of SLF, The Clash, Buzzcocks et al had tunes on their album every bit as strong as the hits familiar to all.

They also mix the political with the traditional 'boy meets girl' with opener 'Back In The U.S.S.A.' and the delicate 'Fire To Burn'.

That is perhaps why Barb Wire Dolls have a complete collection on Rub My Mind. This is not just a punk album, it works as a rock album too. Punk rock? Who would have thought you can still stumble upon such class, abrasive joy.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Rub My Mind is out now on Motorhead Music