The Dresden Dolls on DeBaser: brechtian punk cabaret, reviewed

The Dresden Dolls

Musical Group

Forlisteners into dark cabaret, theatrical alt-rock, piano-and-drums duos, and lyrically provocative records.
3 Reviews 1 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

The Dresden Dolls are an American duo formed in Boston in 2000 by singer/pianist Amanda Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione. Known for a theatrical, self-described “Brechtian punk cabaret” style, they earned acclaim with their self-titled debut and the ambitious follow-up Yes, Virginia....

Origin: Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Members: Amanda Palmer (vocals, piano), Brian Viglione (drums); Formed in 2000; Self-titled debut re-released by Roadrunner Records in 2004.

Three enthusiast reviews celebrate The Dresden Dolls’ piano-and-drums duo for their self-styled “Brechtian punk cabaret,” sharp lyrics, and intense performances. Amanda Palmer’s theatrical voice and songwriting lead the charge while Brian Viglione’s dynamic drumming adds bite. Highlights span the self-titled debut, the refined and provocative Yes, Virginia..., and the b-sides collection No, Virginia. Themes of sexuality, truth, and uneasy irony recur. Overall verdict: distinctive, clever, and compelling.

Notable Quotes

❝ their music is simply morbidly fascinating.

❝ Yes, Virginia is an artistic and political manifesto.

❝ The CD is actually mostly a collection of b-sides from the previous "Yes, Virginia," some unreleased and others taken from old sessions, there's even a cover of "Pretty in Pink".