Album Review: Ladydoll – The Knife Thrower And His Wife

‘The Knife Thrower And His Wife’ is the debut album of 2010 JD set winners Ladydoll. Formed in 2007, Ladydoll are a Cork 4-piece featuring Finn Sedas (Vocals, Keys & Guitar), Dave Shaw (Guitar), Nora King (Bass) and Eoin Ryan (Drums), and the question facing the foursome is have they produced a debut album that can match up to their hard-earned reputation as ones to watch?

Quick answer: Yes. ‘The Knife Thrower And His Wife’ is a well produced mix of dark and surprisingly catchy tunes that at times show an originality and quirkiness that seems to be lacking in a lot of newer bands. Tracks like ‘Eisenhower’, ‘Genetics’ and ‘Honeybunny’ are well put together dark, guitar driven songs that draw on their influences such as Placebo and the Pixies whilst maintaining their own identity. In contrast, ‘I Hate Cats’, ‘Punchbag’ and ‘Debt collector’ are more jingly, piano led songs than the above but share the same dark lyrical tone, reminding me of acts like The Eels.

While songs are often is quite dark and angst filled, they do contain a charm, as if Sedas sings about these dark things with an ironic smile on his face. I also have to wonder if Ladydoll are a band in a hurry as only one song on the album over 4 minutes long, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality. The songs are sharp, to the point and never overstay their welcome.

The album is not without its flaws though. While the previously mentioned tracks are fresh and inventive, others don’t hold up so well. ‘I’ve got a nightmare’ sounds like it’s taken from the Pixies back catalogue, ‘Good times’ and ‘Roulette’ sound like the band are trying to be placebo lite and ‘You know best’ has a emo-rock sound that is completely out of place with the rest of the album, but what these songs lack most is the charm that give the other tracks what I would consider the Ladydoll sound, and for a debut album it should be all about establishing that musical identity.

Overall, ‘The Knife Thrower And His Wife’ delivers on Ladydoll’s live promise. Tracks like ‘Punchbag’ and ‘Eisenhower’ are amongst the best songs by an Irish band I’ve heard this year and a welcome relief from all the electro synth acts currently taking over. If you like Placebo, The Eels or even The Smashing Pumpkins this album should be right up your street. A very strong debut album that reinforces all the good things being said about Ladydoll.

Album Highlights: Punchbag, Eisenhower, Honeybunny

Buy the Album: Tower Records

Artist link: MySpace

Ladydoll are playing The free JD Set CD Release party tonight (June 3rd) in The Mercantile on Dame St. if you fancy checking them out first hand, and will be playing the “Theres No Place like Dome” festival in Silgo on June 20th.