Rock
BMG
Released – October 23rd 2026
Review By Smudge Smith
Never heard of Nicotine Dolls but from what I have read the singer/guitarist Sam Cieri was on America’s Got Talent in 2022 but refused to take to part in the live shows stating that the show’s producers wanted to change the band away from his original vision and he wasn’t having that! This is their second record which has been co-produced by hitmaker Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith/Ozzy). Apparently, they had an album recorded but shelved it to start again with a renewed energy and on completing the new songs Cieri cried with happiness having made the record he always wanted to make.
Opener ‘Wild’ is a slow burn that gives us an idea of Cieri’s bluesy/soulful vocals and huge production. It rocks steadily with some tasty and subtle fills from guitarist John Newsome. ‘Gimme Sympathy’ is a nasty slab of sexy blues where Cieri gets the rock rolls screaming like classic Steve Tyler and Newsome plays some mean slide guitar before the glam stomp of ‘Going Numb’ and the west coast strum of ‘Here To California’ which has to be played to the setting sun. ‘To The Wolves’ is some soulful alt/rock with some more bluesy fills from Newsome and a whiskey soaked vocal. We get some country blues rock on ‘Drive Away’ with some beautiful warm churchy Hammond filling the background behind the solid beat of drummer Abel Tabares. Gotta say Cieri puts a shift in on this number, proper James Brown/Otis Redding soul. The acoustic comes out on the introspective country flavoured ‘Punch Drunk Lovin’’ where Tabares uses the soft touch and his brushes. The alt/rock ‘I’m Right Here’ brings some sentiment about a lost love and some more heart wrenching soul before the stomping ‘Little Games’ brings a sexy vibe. ‘Just Enough’ is raw down n dirty rock n roll which brings back that nasty slide guitar then current single ‘Enemy’ is a call and response before the final rocker ‘Wanted You To Know’ has a retro feel ringing in your ears.
Crikey this is good. It had Mrs Smudge venturing into my dungeon to cock an ear and let me tell you my missus is always right. You can tell that this band have poured their heart and souls into this. It sounds live on the floor and there is not a hint of ‘that will do’, everything is the best they can do. Every song is a winner so there’s no fat on these tunes. Totally awesome with goose bump inducing performances.
Track list
Wild
Gimme Sympathy
Going Numb
Here To California
To The Wolves
Drive Away
Punch Drunk Lovin’
I’m Right Here
Little Games
Just Enough
Enemy
Wanted You To Know
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