The Dresden Dolls

[KarmaOfChaos]

[color=deeppink][size=1]Well, first, let me just say that this is an [i]amazing[/i] band. The Dresden Dolls is the first band I've seen to come out with something truly unique in...quite awhile. They mix german cabaret, alternative rock, and the tori-amos reminiscient moaning vocals of Amanda Palmer to create something edgy but eloquent, hard but also very gentle at times.

The band is comprised of Amanda Palmer, who does vocals and the piano, and Brian Viglione, who does drums and percussion. They also have various other artists and their instruments appear in their music, from the electric guitar to the violin and cello. The sound that comes out is absolutely trippy.

My favorite tracks on the album are Girl Anachronism, Half Jack, Coin-Operated Boy and Gravity. Girl Anachronism is a very heavy song with lots of loudly played instruments and fast-paced, screeching vocals, which is polished over in places, but left rough in others. This is good one to freak dance to, and the tune is almost psychotic.

Half-Jack is a wonderful build-up song. It starts off very slow and melacholic, with sorrowful piano and light, feathery vocals with a slight moan in them. Then it builds up with heavier piano and wailing saturated with desperation, piling up the energy until it simply explodes. Then drops straight back down to the low, whispering singing, and builds up again, this time with even more fantastic vocals.

Coin-Operated Boy is the ultimate quirky song. Palmer plays the toy piano in this song, and sings in a back-and-forth mechanical manner which is extremely catchy. If you get a chance, download the live version of this song...the lyrics are slightly altered, and very hysterical.

Gravity is a good overall song, with nice deep vocals and heavy piano and drums with interesting little taps of the cymbals. The song has an almost laughing air, but bitterly, like a rather mutated smile. It has a interesting overlaping effect with the vocals at certain points, much like Half Jack.

Amanda Palmer is a genius at writing lyrics to fit her style and voice, and they throw all the cliches out the window and bring in a breath of fresh air. She doesn't try to make herself appear the victim or the savior, but writes from her soul, and it is reflected in her lyrics. She employs delicious rhyme schemes that make her songs very tangible.

Not to mention, the album art is gorgeous. But enough of my ranting. Has anyone else heard of this band? Opinions? Think I'm an idiot and that TDD suck? Think I'm dead on? Responses are greatly appreciated!

-Karma[/size][/color]

[Sara]

[size=1]I looked up the group on your suggestion. (I love the iTunes sharing capability.) The only song I was able to find is [i]Coin Operated Boy[/i].

When it started playing, I was really surprised how perky and chime-y it started out, heh. You're right, it is...quirky, heh. It's catchy, and...I think I like it. The lyrics are so...strange. *laughs*

[i]Coin....operated boy.[/i] Heh. I'll be on the lookout for more music by these guys next time I'm in a music-type store. (Not often, admittedly, but still).

sweet dreams are made of these,
Sara[/size]