Northern San Diego-based riot grrrl outfit Doll Riot recently released their latest single, “Those Days,” following on the heels of last year’s self-titled debut EP.
Made up of Elena Olszak (lead vocals), Ella Sauer (guitar), London Kraus (bass), and Lillee Gillum (drums), Doll Riot was formed in 2020. At first a cover band, Doll Riot wanted to write their own material. Then the pandemic hit, leaving the band frustrated and unable to book shows.
Once things started to open up again, the band began performing throughout San Diego, followed by writing their own music – wild and raw – inspired by real life: breakups, psycho ex-girlfriends, and stereotypical tendencies. Doll Riot recently performed at the Punk Rock Bowling Festival in Las Vegas.
In the last year, Doll Riot has played close to 50 shows, sharing the stage with legendary groups like Agent Orange, and forging scene-building relationships stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles counties with groups like Poison Hearts, Spray Allen, Death Valley Girls, and Luby Sparks.
Doll Riot’s sound conjures up the ‘90s when bands like L7, Hole, Bratmobile, Lunachicks, and Bikini Kill churned out killer punk rock.
“Those Days” opens on snarling, growling guitars, followed by the entry of Kraus’ fat bassline and Gillum’s potent percussion. As the melody takes shape, thick, heavy guitars provide a grinding matrix for Olszak’s sneering vocals, imbuing the lyrics with brash tones.
A grand breakdown featuring excellent drum fills and scowling guitars shifts the harmonic flow, and then mousses up to the searing outro.
Vaguely reminiscent of The Donnas, only more visceral and edgier, with “Those Days,” Doll Riot struts their hefty, contagious sound.
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Upcoming Shows:
7/2/23 – La Mesa Bar – La Mesa, CA
7/7/23 – Solaris Brewery- Murrieta, CA
7/8/23 – The Good Omen- Escondido, CA (w/ Madam Bombs)
7/15/23 – Che Cafe – San Diego, CA
7/20/23 – Humble Heart – San Diego, CA
7/23/23 – The Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA
7/28/23 – Good Omen – Escondido, CA