Nicotine Dolls are a New York, USA-based alternative quartet who have just caught my attention thanks to the release of their latest EP which tells their story while encouraging you to live yours. It’s called How Do You Love Me.

By Graeme Smith

A band whose mission is to not sound like anyone else, Nicotine Dolls achieve that with their latest EP. A four track collection of unique songs, it opens with its title track, a vulnerable start which explores the feeling of going through a manic episode. Soft guitar accompanies the soulful vocals before we arrive at a soaring, anthemic indie rock chorus. A slow-builder of a track, its climax leaves it all out there, giving us a breathless early highlight.

SLIP recounts the awkward situation of being at a party with your ex, delivering it with some cantering, vibrant emotional rock. The passion of the vocals is infectious, and there’s a touch of the timeless about its composition. Its visceral lyrics bring to life its story of self-destruction.

Real House slows things down while staying with the same relationship. It’s a melancholic, relatable tale that makes some great use of loud-quiet between its stripped-back verses and powerful choruses. Its crescendo will knock you off your feet – headphones recommended.

30 Somehow rounds things off with a heart-rendering finale. It’s a reflective moment, weighing up the good and bad of waving your 20s behind. Rich autobiographical detail will have you feeling along with every one of its stripped back notes before being swept away by its rousing conclusion. It’s a final highlight.

Nicotine Dolls are Sam Cieri on vocals, John Hays on guitar, John Merritt on bass and Abel Tabares on drums. They’re one of those highly rare acts that are making music that pushes boundaries while remaining very accessible. Channelling some of the best of rock, pop and folk, their latest EP is an absolute treat.

How Do You Love Me is out now via Nettwerk Music Group. You can listen to it below.