CHINA DOLL
Scarborough, Western Australia, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
Spoonful of Sugar's debut EP is easy like Sunday morning, full to the brim with sweet harmonies and tunes that lull the listener into a blissful state.
First track 'Not Today' begins with a fine piece of harmonica work, setting the tone for the rest of the record; chilled and bluesy, with great instrumental work. 'Little Sally' and 'Vagrant' are both evidently story songs, the former being a sad, beautifully structured track, the latter building up to a fast-paced, folky peak.
'Messed it Up' is a brilliant little moody break-up song, with sombre tones and evocative lyrics. Last track 'Jump' brings in the rootsy bluegrass, enticing toe tapping and finger snapping.
Front woman Karin Page's vocals are strong, soothing and just a little bit country, and the contrast of male backing harmonies to a female lead is refreshingly different and effective. There's also something inherently Australian about this band, perhaps due to mentions of gumtrees and tin roofs in Vagrant, perhaps Page's strong accent - whatever it is, its a nice change.
There are a lot of great blues-based indie bands coming out of Perth at the moment that are doing excellent things - and Spoonful of Sugar is one of them. - Chloe Papas x-press magazine - X-Press magazine (Chloe Papas)
Spoonful of Sugar's debut EP is easy like Sunday morning, full to the brim with sweet harmonies and tunes that lull the listener into a blissful state.
First track 'Not Today' begins with a fine piece of harmonica work, setting the tone for the rest of the record; chilled and bluesy, with great instrumental work. 'Little Sally' and 'Vagrant' are both evidently story songs, the former being a sad, beautifully structured track, the latter building up to a fast-paced, folky peak.
'Messed it Up' is a brilliant little moody break-up song, with sombre tones and evocative lyrics. Last track 'Jump' brings in the rootsy bluegrass, enticing toe tapping and finger snapping.
Front woman Karin Page's vocals are strong, soothing and just a little bit country, and the contrast of male backing harmonies to a female lead is refreshingly different and effective. There's also something inherently Australian about this band, perhaps due to mentions of gumtrees and tin roofs in Vagrant, perhaps Page's strong accent - whatever it is, its a nice change.
There are a lot of great blues-based indie bands coming out of Perth at the moment that are doing excellent things - and Spoonful of Sugar is one of them. - Chloe Papas x-press magazine - X-Press magazine (Chloe Papas)
You know those bands that make music that exudes warmth, enveloping you with their sweet melodies and stories, making music with sheer beauty? Well local band Spoonful of Sugar is making all the right moves in becoming one of them with their self titled Debut EP. Although released a few months back, this chunk of local goodness deserves a review. Their songs are beautifully written, with eloquent lyrics that are movingly poetic. Singer Karin Page has a voice that has that Australian twang common in country singers, but there definitely isn't any hillbilly about this band or their songs. Little Sally and Vagrant are standouts and we should expect to see some great things from this band. - Drum Media Perth
You know those bands that make music that exudes warmth, enveloping you with their sweet melodies and stories, making music with sheer beauty? Well local band Spoonful of Sugar is making all the right moves in becoming one of them with their self titled Debut EP. Although released a few months back, this chunk of local goodness deserves a review. Their songs are beautifully written, with eloquent lyrics that are movingly poetic. Singer Karin Page has a voice that has that Australian twang common in country singers, but there definitely isn't any hillbilly about this band or their songs. Little Sally and Vagrant are standouts and we should expect to see some great things from this band. - Drum Media Perth
Songstress Karin Page is a talented lass accompanied by a bouncy rhythm section and a particularly sprightly drummer. Page was the first act of the evening to garner any real crowd attention - indeed, by the end of her set she held the place captive and received a rapturous final response.”
- X-Press (Ben Watson)
Songstress Karin Page is a talented lass accompanied by a bouncy rhythm section and a particularly sprightly drummer. Page was the first act of the evening to garner any real crowd attention - indeed, by the end of her set she held the place captive and received a rapturous final response.”
- X-Press (Ben Watson)
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Produced and co-written by Eskimo Joe's Joel Quartermain, China Doll's latest single I Won't Be Back is a slice of charming piano-pop, made powerful by a relentless vocal delivery and lyrical bite. Following on from the summery Two's Company, which established China Doll as a songwriting tour de force, I Won't Be Back is a scorching three minutes, abounding in musical character and the irrepressible force of a woman scorned.
Combining a frolicking piano hook with singer Karin Page's now trademark heavy-hearted lyrics, I Won't Be Back is both a playful tune and cathartic self-expression for its writer; a song that is fun to listen and dance to, but one loaded with an explosive message. As Page sings “telling me you'd never lie is the first lie that I heard�, there is no mistaking that this is payback time, and the gloves are off.
Currently touring Australia as a two-piece, China Doll are mainstays of the WA folk festival circuit, having played the Nannup Music Festival, Fairbridge Folk Festival, Nukara Music Festival, Spinifex Festival and Boyup Brook Country Music Festival - where they have taken out 'Best Group' two years running. But I Won't Be Back isn't a folk song... it's a snarling love-gone-bad song, with super-sized pop hooks and a singer who holds nothing back.
Following on from their self-titled EP and its two key singles (She Don’t Need To Know and Two's Company), I Won't Be Back yet again proves China Doll's songwriting chops. Soon to embark upon recording their debut album, China Doll are now taking everything they learn from their constant touring schedule and putting it down on tape, bringing an essential live energy to their pop-savvy songs.
Equal parts heartfelt and catchy, China Doll are making music that is refreshingly honest and intelligent, whilst still being a whole lot of fun.
Band Members
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