Definition
Mydolls is an American rock band formed in 1978 in Houston, Texas, known for its contributions to the post‑punk and art‑punk movements.
Overview
The group originally consisted of guitarist/vocalist Linda Younger, bassist/vocalist Dianna Ray, guitarist/vocalist Trish Herrera, and drummer/vocalist George Reyes. Emerging from Houston’s underground art and music scene, Mydolls blended influences from 1960s‑1970s punk, avant‑garde rock, and Latin‑inflected rhythms. After an initial period of activity through the early 1980s, the band disbanded in 1985, reformed in 2008, and continues to perform and record.
Key milestones include:
- Release of their first 45 rpm single “In Technicolor” (CIA Records, 1980).
- A 1984 appearance in Wim Wenders’ film Paris, Texas, performing “A World of Her Own”.
- The 2007 anthology A World of Her Own (Grand Theft Audio), compiling early recordings.
- The 2015 album It’s Too Hot for Revolution (Betsey Records).
Mydolls has toured regionally in the United States and performed internationally, including a stint in London that led to a BBC Radio interview with John Peel.
Etymology/Origin
The band’s name appears to be a stylized concatenation of “My dolls,” reflecting a possible feminist or subcultural reclaiming of the term “doll” within the punk context. No definitive source confirms the intended meaning beyond the band’s own usage.
Characteristics
- Musical Style: Post‑punk with experimental art‑rock elements; notable for unconventional guitar arrangements (e.g., separate three‑string voicings), syncopated, tom‑heavy drumming, and shared vocal duties.
- Lyrical Themes: Often address personal, political, and feminist topics, delivered through chant‑like vocals and spoken word interludes.
- Performance Aesthetic: Frequently performed in non‑traditional venues such as art galleries, dance studios, and avant‑garde spaces, reinforcing their alignment with the Houston contemporary art community.
- Line‑up: The core quartet has remained stable since formation, with occasional collaborators (e.g., guitarist Kathy Johnston) during live shows and later recordings.
Related Topics
- Post‑punk and art‑punk movements in the United States.
- The Houston music scene of the late 1970s and 1980s, including contemporaries such as Really Red, The Hates, and The Cramps.
- Feminist punk and the broader DIY ethos of underground music.
- Wim Wenders’ film Paris, Texas (1984), which featured Mydolls in a bar scene.
- Record labels CIA Records and Sub Pop, which released early Mydolls material.
Mydolls remains an influential example of early American post‑punk, noted for its artistic integration, feminist perspective, and lasting presence within Houston’s cultural legacy.