DOLL FEST 2026 - HERE TO BE HEARD!
It was with great anticipation that I approached this year's Doll Fest, reaching one year old and in its second happening.
DF 2026 opened with a Friday night pre-show at the Ivy Room in Albany. First up, a tantalizing display of flying hair and cheekbones from the absolutely wonderful Wonderland Rejects. Sorry to anybody who got there late and missed this. You missed out! Solid sets from Last Minet and Beneath You. Skip The Needle then took us all to another level, as they seem to do every time they take the stage. Their melodies, voices, and tracks take you through a range of emotions, fighting for revolution and change to calming and thoughtful reflections on life. But always delivered with an authentic and upbeat vibe that leaves you feeling much better than the space it found you in. I think we all need a slice of STN in these turbulent waters of today.
Great show, Doll Fest Day One! But you left yourself a tall order to top STN? Brave! Skip The Needle
Night 1
Night 2
A fresh venue, the Oakstop, to mark the official start of Doll Fest proper. The interesting trio of Fatale caught early attention. Looking the part and sounding the part, flying hair, chainsaw guitars, a snarl in the vocal, and bucketfuls of attitude—what is not to love about this band?
ICK delivered a soul-baring primal screamed rage, hailing from the predominantly redneck town of Modesto, (if you have been there, you know). I can see how ICK's identity in that environment would have had the distinct possibility for exposure to trauma and danger that would have fueled the explosive rage in this set. Brave!
The Hellflowers were a complete change of pace, with very capable vocals and musicianship. I enjoyed the Hellflowers a lot. Guitarist Alex Mack was in various contortions throughout the set like he was trying to control a rabid animal. Great Band!
18 Fevers attacked the stage with the fierceness of the guitar-wielding South Korean stormtroopers of tomorrow; they really are. Blowing dust bunnies from the Art Deco glitter ball, as well as the doors off the venue. They should be everybody’s favorite South Korean punk band. I LOVE ‘em Music | 18Fevers
After missing a couple, taking my better half for a lunch break at this point.
Returning for the intriguing DAMAG3, one person and a computer program might not sound like much. But we were taken on an intense and articulate journey of a life lived, bearing raw feelings and emotions with all the subtleties of a brick through a windshield to the senses.
Traveling all the way from Guadalajara, Descartes A Kant was a very interesting experience, with synchronized formation movements and outfits reminiscent of Devo. But that was about where the similarities ended. They gave a unique performance with a sound entirely themselves, and I enjoyed them immensely.
Headliners Vial brought the Saturday show to a close, sending us joyously down the building's never-ending steps and off into the night with the sounds of thrashing guitars in our ears and anticipating what might be in store for us on Sunday morning. And how would they top Saturday?
Night 3
Day 3 kicked off with Bitchfit, a prime example of the next wave already snarling their way into focus. Black Gold Sun attitude in abundance and very impressive energy, not politely waiting for any doors to be opened for them, quite content in their own abilities to just kick em down.
Build A Rocket pulled things into a more melodic lane, seasoned players giving a solid account of themselves, before Pretty Frankenstein created a powerful and atmospheric set including strings with goth/techno undercurrents, great lyrics, and vocals.
El Colectivo Sabinas didn’t so much play a set as stage some kind of ritual sacrifice. A bloke named Pete became the chosen offering—horns blasted in his face while the singer unloaded on him from inches away. I’ve never seen someone look so willing to be spiritually dismantled in public. Quite something.
Wheelchair Sportscamp rolled out next, and Kalyn Rose Heffernan absolutely owned the place—pro-queer, sharp as hell, funny, furious, and somehow uplifting all at once. A heart like a lion and a delivery to match, making the rest of us look like we could probably be doing a bit more with ourselves, frankly.
War on Women I was not ready for the energy that WOW exploded onto the stage with; it actually startled me. A tight, ferocious, and completely commanding set with no prisoners taken. Move over, everybody; it's the band of the festival from my point of view. Immaculate, stunning, and brilliant. I am a follower! War On Women — Bridge Nine Records.
Girl In A Coma— Packed with energy delivered with the professional polish of a band of their status who have finely honed their craft over many years. With a slice of swagger, raunch, and attitude thrown in for good measure.
Bad Cop Bad Cop—100% captivating fire and action applied wherever you looked from every single member. All gas, no brakes. What a way to finish! Well done. Doll Fest 2026! Counting down the days to Doll Fest 3!
Be sure to catch BC/BC over in the UK at Rebellion Festival 2026. Line Up
