Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.
Opening with “Bleeding,” Doll channels a moodier tone than in their past efforts. Inspired in part by True Detective and real-world trauma, it’s a fitting start for an album that doesn’t shy away from emotional weight or uncomfortable themes.
“Shark Bait” counters with unfiltered fun by leaning into hardcore riffs and horror film camp with a grin and a snarl. Then there’s their take on “Smoke on the Water”. The reimagining of the rock classic trades swagger for scorched-earth urgency that was shaped by the wildfire-ravaged landscapes of 2024. The choice to update the lyrics is bold but it pays off.
Doll’s strength lies in the balance between their grit and their ability to tap into something personal without sugarcoating it. “Scene Dream” tackles the quiet desperation of chasing success in a saturated world, while “Ends Like This” and “Goodbye” cut even deeper. The songs reflect emotional fallout and grief without falling into cliché meanings. Christina’s voice carries the weight of these stories without veering into melodrama.
At just over 23 minutes, the album is lean but focused and each track is distinct but cohesive. Doll has matured, yes, but they’ve also stayed hungry. This isn’t a band polishing up old tricks but one with new stories to tell and sharper tools to tell them. With this release, they’ve proven that their roots still hold, even as the branches stretch further.
