New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 3 | Page 134

they stole the show with their stirring mix of pretty pop and pained punk. Within the course of one song, such as “Doctor” from the debut EP, “Oh Please,” dol- lys can go from exquisitely high harmonies to bashing on their in- struments to the point of nearly breaking them. Vocalist-drummer Natalie Newbold is without ques- tion one of the most exciting per- formers in music today. The way she can keep time, sing her guts out and lyrically convey strong emotions connected to loss and regret is a whirlwind of talent that needs to be recognized by a larger audience than 100 people crammed into a basement. And the way guitarist Jeff Lane and bassist Erik Kase Romero compli- ment her with tasteful playing, exquisite harmonies, and a beau- tiful friendship is a joy to behold. Based on the three new songs they played, especially the Latin- tinged “On the Mend,” dollys’ next LP due in August could be as strong as 2016’s best local release, “low year.” Hodera also have a great new batch of songs that they finally will dollys NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 3 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 134