Algernon Doll

Algernon Doll

Algernon Doll is a Scottish alternative rock group associated with lo-fi, acoustic and indie-leaning material, as well as a darker melodic style. The act is centred on Ewan Grant, who begins as a one-man-band project before developing into a full group line-up. Grant handles guitar and vocals, with Wull Swales on bass and backing vocals and Owen Wicksted on drums; Tom Mitchell also plays drums on Omphalic.

Albums and sound

The group releases three albums in this period: Camomile, Citalo-pop and Omphalic. Grant is described as having already built a reputation for the first two records, which draw comparisons with Elliott Smith. Omphalic pushes the project further into an alternative guitar sound influenced by early 1990s grunge. The record includes songs such as “Spilt Milk Perfume”, “Justine” and “Candy Striped”, which lean on chiming guitars, reflective lyrics and strong hooks. Other tracks, including “Tamed”, “Suicide” and “Fellate”, carry a more abrasive edge shaped by the sound of Nirvana and related bands.

Release history and collaborators

Omphalic is released through Struggletown Records and is mastered by Bob Weston of Shellac. Weston’s wider credits include work connected with Nirvana, Shipping News, Mission of Burma, Chavez, June of 44, Rachel’s and LCD Soundsystem. Algernon Doll also plays live dates in the UK and appears at Radio 1 Big Weekend and Wickerman Festival. The project later plans further recording with Steve Albini.