Rock band Nicotine Dolls explores the intricacies of love on their debut LP, ‘an Attempt at Romantic,’ a mesmerizing album that oscillates between hopeful romanticism and passionate desire.
Listen: ‘an Attempt at Romantic’ – Nicotine Dolls
Get ready to be captivated by Nicotine Dolls… if you’re not already.
Their debut LP, an Attempt at Romantic, is an enticing experience that demands to be played on repeat.
From the first notes of the simmering opener “Backseat” to the final poignant tones of “Still Saying Goodbye,” the album blends nostalgia, optimistic romanticism, and raw attraction. However, what initially appears to be a compilation of songs centered on traditional themes of love, desire, grief, and redemption unfolds into a more intricate exploration involving self-reflection, acceptance, and resilience.
an Attempt at Romantic – Nicotine Dolls
The pop-rock quartet – featuring Sam Cieri (vocals), John Hays (guitar), John Merritt (bass), and Abel Tabares (drums) – excels at crafting those intimate, slow-dance-in-the-kitchen moments. A prime example is “nothin’ i do,” which, relying solely on an acoustic guitar, allows Cieri’s undeniable emotional range to shine, creating a memorable track that is sure to end up on wedding playlists.
What they excel at is crafting grand, breathless moments that would be perfect for a ’90s romantic comedy. “In My Opinion” envelops listeners with lyrics such as, “Kiss me and laugh like you mean it. Tell me it all turns out fine. Hold me till I start believing I’m in the arms of the rest of my life. In my opinion, you’re the reason I try.”
Nicotine Dolls © Katie Kauss
Perhaps even more appealing than Nicotine Dolls’ ballads is their ability to connect deeply with fans, serving as allies and creating anthems that resonate strongly within their enthusiastic community.
The standout track on this album, “Walk Again,” is an energetic song about rediscovering oneself after enduring hardship. It echoes the band’s 2022 release “Hate It // Fight It,” which tackled overcoming mental struggles but carries a more hopeful tone.
Cieri’s powerful vocals amplify the emotional weight of lines like: “What happens now? Now that the words don’t make sense. I’m lost in the trees and I’m down on my knees… I will fall and crawl until I can walk again.”
Throughout the album, the singer-songwriter showcases his status as one of the most underrated talents of our time, captivating listeners with a mesmerizing vocal range and intense delivery that shifts seamlessly from an exquisite falsetto to a raspy tone reminiscent of Springsteen.
Each band member has impressive moments, including Hays’ fiery guitar solo on “Next to Me” and Tabares’ earth-shaking crescendo on “I Need Love.”
Every aspect of an Attempt at Romantic is crafted with intention, from the subtle Chris Stapleton-style country influence present in a few songs to the strings featured in “In My Opinion” and “You Won’t Have Me,” one of two collaborations with the legendary songwriter Diane Warren. They also worked with Sam Hollander (who has collaborated with Katy Perry, Weezer, and Billy Idol) on several tracks, including the exhilarating “Touch the Ground.”
Nicotine Dolls’ an Attempt at Romantic is now available through Nettwerk Music Group. Fans can look forward to experiencing the new tracks live when the band embarks on a 28-city headlining tour starting in Montreal on March 20.
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Rock band Nicotine Dolls explores the intricacies of love in their debut album ‘an Attempt at Romantic,’ an enchanting collection that fluctuates between optimistic romanticism and intense desire.