Barb Wire Dolls

Barb Wire Dolls

Barb Wire Dolls are a punk group based in Greece and Los Angeles. They form in Crete in 2010 before relocating to Los Angeles at the invitation of KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. The group features Isis Queen on vocals, Pyn Doll on guitar, Krash Doll on drums, and JayJay Doll on bass.

Background and style

The band comes out of an artist commune on Crete and develops a sound that combines punk and rock with elements of reggae. Their line-up is fronted by Isis Queen, while Pyn Doll, a former pro surfer and skateboarder, plays guitar. The band is associated with female-fronted punk and is noted for its live performances.

Releases and activity

After arriving in the United States, Barb Wire Dolls sell out the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood and then play hundreds of shows across many countries. Their debut album, Slit, is recorded in two days at Steve Albini’s studio in late 2012. The album and its lead single, “Revolution,” draw comparisons with Nirvana, Blondie and the Ramones and help establish the band on festival stages.

The group later records a second album, Desperate, with producer Jay Baumgardner at Hollywood’s NRG Studios. They also release several 7-inch vinyl singles, including one with OFF!, and co-headline or support acts such as GBH, Fear, Mike Watt, Sham 69, Discharge, Cockney Rejects, Murder Junkies, CJ Ramone, 999, Status Quo, Mushroomhead and Candlebox. They also tour with Jello Biafra, NOFX, Descendents, Bouncing Souls and Steel Panther.

Recognition

Barb Wire Dolls are described in coverage as carrying forward the spirit of late-1970s punk. They appear on the covers of multiple magazines, play festival dates in a number of countries, and have five books published about them.