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Category: DOLL

0 DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

  • May 29, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 29, 2026

DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL return with “Snakes and Ladders,” the newest single in their evolving Animal Crackers trilogy, following January’s standalone release “Bear Claw” and the fan‑favourite “Shark Bait” from their 2025 album “Better Days, Better Times.” The new track marks another bold step in the band’s creative resurgence, blending their classic grit with a darker, heavier edge.
​
After re‑emerging from a long hiatus with a renewed sense of purpose, DOLL (the wife and husband duo of Christina and Pete Kasper) has embraced a period of sonic exploration, pushing their sound into new territory while staying true to the raw emotion and honesty that defined their early work.
​
With “Snakes and Ladders,” DOLL lean into a D‑standard, grunge‑inspired throwback while weaving in the darker tones and textures that have shaped their recent evolution. Loaded with harmonics, punchy riffs, and Christina’s unmistakable vocal rasp, the single captures the band’s signature blend of tension, drive, and cathartic release.

“Our fans expect the unexpected at this point. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ feels like the perfect final piece, gritty, energetic, and a real reflection of where Doll is headed,” the band shares.

The track channels the feral energy, defining their latest era, pulling listeners into a space where the stakes feel real, and the emotion hits hard. It’s a full‑throttle return to old‑school DOLL, raw, gritty vocals, punchy guitars, and drums that push the song forward like a runaway car with no brakes. Carrying the emotional weight and honesty of “Better Days, Better Times,” the single confronts uncomfortable truths with a mix of vulnerability and defiance.

Lyrically, “Snakes and Ladders” stands as an anthem of resistance, calling out the “snakes in suits” who pretend to help but only serve themselves, urging listeners to stay grounded, ask questions, and refuse to play someone else’s game. Musically, it’s one of the band’s most exhilarating tracks to perform, packed with harmonics, quick in‑your‑face riffs, and a vocal delivery that dials up the grit and angst. It’s built for movement, release, and shaking off whatever’s weighing you down.

“As the song says, ‘I refuse to play your game.’ Always ask questions. Keep perspective. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid blindly.”

The single’s artwork came together through a moment of pure serendipity. While wandering through a thrift store, the band stumbled upon a vintage Snakes and Ladders board game, complete with classic packaging that felt uncannily perfect for the song’s theme.

“It was like the universe dropped it in front of us. Once we saw it, we knew this was the cover. It was meant to be,” the duo adds.

The artwork mirrors the song’s message, life’s unpredictable climbs and falls, and the importance of staying true to yourself no matter where the board leads.

Listen to “Snakes and Ladders” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2jaDZUp5fZoRJDu7wXTEU7

​

All digital platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/snakes-and-ladders​

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/​

About: DOLL is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. After releasing their debut album Inside the “Dollhouse” in 2009, with singles “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” earning rotation on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, the band followed up with 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries, featuring the singles “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.”
​
Over the years, DOLL has shared stages with Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Protest the Hero, Halestorm, SNFU, Die Mannequin, and many more. After a long hiatus, the band returned in 2025 with Better Days, Better Times, reigniting their momentum and setting the stage for the Animal Crackers trilogy.

-30-

What the press has said about DOLL:

​!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

​!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 EPK – DOLL – Snakes and Ladders (2026)

  • May 29, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · EPKs · Uncategorized

EPK – DOLL – Snakes and Ladders (2026)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“We would say that following the reception we had to the first few songs in the Animal Crackers trilogy, with ‘Shark Bait’ and ‘Bear Claw’, we feel like we’ve hit a stride where our fans expect the unexpected at this point. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ is the final piece, and we think (and hope) its going to be received as a really cool mix of the Doll evolution, going into a D standard tuning as a throw back to the grunge sound of old and incorporating the elements of the new darker tone and feel, sprinkled in with a bunch of harmonics, and of course the signature Christina vocal style, Snakes and Ladders provides the rasp, the drive and the bang to be a banger. We’ve always said this project was about having fun and exploring new sounds and styles. We’re confident that ‘Snakes and Ladders’ will land just as hard—if not harder than Shark Bait or Bear Claw.” – DOLL

For fans of SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, Scowl, Nobro, The Pretty Reckless

Doll.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/dollband | Spotify | Youtube.com/@insidethedollhouse

All Digital Platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/snakes-and-ladders

What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The Rag Doll Diaries” is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine (2013 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“Doll was conceived as a bridge between punk and rock, a bridge that was fulfilled in the early ’90s by bands like Nirvana and the mid-’90s by Foo Fighters… A good punk band doesn’t write about the joys of picking daisies and Doll is no exception.” – The Whig Standard (Kingston, ON) (2013)

“Doll provides a missing link between punk and rock.” – The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON) (2013)

“The four-piece are definitely reminiscent of the grunge era and have provided a concise four-word biography of the band: “Rock N’ Fucking Roll.” – Exclaim! (2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“One of the most striking aspects of Inside The Dollhouse, after Christina’s whiskey-and-hell voice, is a fictional character by the name of Sally created to carry the songs. A concept completely unexpected given the band’s twentysomething youth, immediately reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s infamous character Steven, introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975.” – Bravewords (2010 – Inside the Dollhouse)

“The debut from Ottawa’s Doll caught me instantly like a fish on a hook. This is serious music. Dark, intense and magnetic, this is the kind of gritty ’90s grunge that doesn’t fuck around. Fronted by the vocally vicious Christina Kasper, Doll recall an angry and confused era of music devoid of pop but not catchiness. Kasper howls in the vein of Courtney Love and Brodi Dalle, and while the lyrics are simple and not exactly fresh, they are impacting. Songs like “Perfect” deal with trying to live up to society’s standards, while “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” deal with hurt, confusion and heroin against a backdrop of chunky guitars, assaulting drums and badass attitude. Julie-Anne Madore’s backing vocals add a whispered, haunting feel to this record. If the dirty rock’n’roll alone doesn’t reel you in, nothing will.” – Exclaim (2009 – Inside the Dollhouse)

Band: DOLL
Single Title: Snakes and Ladders
Release Date: May 29, 2026
Label: Grunge Never Died, You Did Records
Distribution: DistroKid
Genre: Hard Rock, Punk, Grunge
Location of Band: Ottawa, Ontario

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Doll
• All songs written by: Doll
• Produced by: Josh Hart
• Mixed by: Josh Hart
• Mastered by: Josh Hart
• Single Artwork by: Mark Kidd
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up: Pete Kasper, Christina Kasper, Josh Hart

=============================

About The Single Artwork:

Oh, this one is super crazy; it’s almost like we manifested the opportunity by picking the song title to be Snakes and Ladders. We were walking through a thrift store, and out of nowhere, a full-on board game version of the game, with the classic packaging from who knows when. We took a photo of the original box, and it was perfect.

Really makes you wonder, are we living in some video game simulation itself? As soon as you start thinking about something, it always seems to appear in some form, it’s like when you never notice a certain car or shirt, but then the moment you get one, its like you see them non-stop.

Finding that board game, at exactly that moment, it’s a coincidence that just played out so perfectly, there was no point in going a different direction. This was the cover art that was meant to be.

About the single as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Musically, Snakes is a real fun one for us to play, we did a lot of harmonics which we never did a lot in the past, we brought in a lot of the classic feel with the in your face quick riffs, and vocally with the performance dialing up the grit and angst in the delivery, it’s a great song to move to and get some issues out.

Lyrically, it’s a classic tale of boy meets girl, girl kills boy. LOL.

Just kidding.

The messaging is an uplifting anthem fighting back against the bullshit, whether that be the snakes in suits that pretend to want to help you, but are just in it for a paycheck. This was our take on hopefully giving some sense that no matter what, you have to be yourself and never give up.

As the song says, “I refuse to play your game.” Remember to always ask questions, keep things in perspective, and don’t just drink the Kool-Aid blindly.

======================================

Fun Facts:

1. Christina and Pete are married.

2. They have been supporting and pioneering the Ottawa local scene by organizing shows in the area for over 20 years.

3. On tour, we always had hot and sour soup in every city.

4. Our first out-of-town runs of shows, we didn’t even have a band van, which we ended up finding late night the day before, purchased off someone privately, and had insured and plated the next morning before driving off in our amazing two-tone brown GMC Safari (RIP), the best van ever created.

5. Everyone was a huge fan of Sonic Youth

==============================================

After a long hiatus, Doll returned in 2025 with a brand‑new album, and they’re keeping the momentum going with a follow‑up 2026 single, “Bear Claw,” releasing January 16th.

Doll is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario.

In 2009, Doll released their first album, Inside The Dollhouse. A video was filmed for their debut single, “Daddy’s Little Girl,” which aired on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. A second video was filmed for their next single, “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces.” Madore left the band a few years later, with Paquette returning to take her place.

In 2011, they released their second album, The Ragdoll Diaries. Two singles and videos emerged from this release: “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” The album was issued on both CD and vinyl. Soon after, Alex Vance joined the lineup as the new bassist.

Over the years, Doll has shared the stage with an impressive roster of artists, opening for Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Spinnerette, Protest the Hero, Band of Skulls, Anvil, Halestorm, SNFU, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Civet, The Creepshow, Die Mannequin, and many more.

Discography:
2025 – Better Days, Different Times
2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries
2009 – Inside the Dollhouse

Tours and Festivals:
2011 – Ottawa Bluesfest
2011 – IndieWeek
2011 – NXNE
2011 – Montebello Rockfest

0 EPK – DOLL – Bear Claw (2026)

  • January 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · EPKs

EPK – DOLL – Bear Claw (2026)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“We had such an amazing response to our first “Animal Crackers” concept with our earlier release this year for “Shark Bait”.  We had always envisioned releasing three animal-themed songs as part of our original plan, but the positive feedback really propelled us to finalize the product with our next song in the trilogy, Bear Claw. We think it’s safe to say this is our best effort yet, when it comes to bringing back some of that legacy Doll riffing, mixed with the hardcore element that we toyed with in Shark Bait, and really getting creative with the vocals and lyrics. We hope that this one is just as well received as Shark Bait, if not better. I guess it depends if you’re more of a land or sea animal lover.” – DOLL

For fans of SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, Scowl, Nobro, The Pretty Reckless

Doll.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/dollband | Spotify | Youtube.com/@insidethedollhouse

What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The Rag Doll Diaries” is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine (2013 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“Doll was conceived as a bridge between punk and rock, a bridge that was fulfilled in the early ’90s by bands like Nirvana and the mid-’90s by Foo Fighters… A good punk band doesn’t write about the joys of picking daisies and Doll is no exception.” – The Whig Standard (Kingston, ON) (2013)

“Doll provides a missing link between punk and rock.” – The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON) (2013)

“The four-piece are definitely reminiscent of the grunge era and have provided a concise four-word biography of the band: “Rock N’ Fucking Roll.” – Exclaim! (2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“One of the most striking aspects of Inside The Dollhouse, after Christina’s whiskey-and-hell voice, is a fictional character by the name of Sally created to carry the songs. A concept completely unexpected given the band’s twentysomething youth, immediately reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s infamous character Steven, introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975.” – Bravewords (2010 – Inside the Dollhouse)

“The debut from Ottawa’s Doll caught me instantly like a fish on a hook. This is serious music. Dark, intense and magnetic, this is the kind of gritty ’90s grunge that doesn’t fuck around. Fronted by the vocally vicious Christina Kasper, Doll recall an angry and confused era of music devoid of pop but not catchiness. Kasper howls in the vein of Courtney Love and Brodi Dalle, and while the lyrics are simple and not exactly fresh, they are impacting. Songs like “Perfect” deal with trying to live up to society’s standards, while “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” deal with hurt, confusion and heroin against a backdrop of chunky guitars, assaulting drums and badass attitude. Julie-Anne Madore’s backing vocals add a whispered, haunting feel to this record. If the dirty rock’n’roll alone doesn’t reel you in, nothing will.” – Exclaim (2009 – Inside the Dollhouse)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: DOLL
Single Title: Bear Claw – 2:44
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Label: Grunge Never Died, You Did Records
Distribution: DistroKid
Genre: Hard Rock, Punk, Grunge
Location of Band: Ottawa, Ontario

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Doll
• All songs written by: Doll
• Produced by: Josh Hart
• Mixed by: Josh Hart
• Mastered by: Josh Hart
• Single Artwork by: Mark Kidd
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up: Pete Kasper, Christina Kasper, Josh Hart

=============================

About The Single Artwork:

With Bear Claw, we really wanted to revive some of the artwork that we were used to seeing as kids, with the Smokey the Bear posters, so we definitely went heavy on that look and feel, but then bringing in our own comedic elements with having Doll on the hat, and rebranding Smokey as Grungey, and Grungey having a chip on his shoulder, giving him some attitude. Mark Kidd once again shines with the concept and brought the end result to life.

About the single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Musically, we aimed to revive some of the classic Doll sound, featuring leads, heavy wah-wah pedal usage, Christina’s signature bends, and pushing it to the max with some nifty quick strumming, all while bringing the heat with the hardcore-infused chorus from Pete, courtesy of the drop tuning.

We definitely wanted to create a sense of danger and suspense, with the breakdown in the middle or so, recording through a very low-fi head and amp combination, giving that spooky feel, and then coming in with the crunch from the PRS MT100, giving that symbiotic mix of old and new. Driving as much atmosphere and emotion without introducing keyboards.

Vocally, this song is definitely our most creative, and while true to form, Christina did a wicked job at changing up the delivery and bringing in some aspects that we haven’t done before. It was important for us to make the song fun, introducing some light-hearted lyrics in the process, but still keeping with that raw and rock vocal and lyric that Doll has always been about.

======================================

Fun Facts:

1. Christina and Pete are married.

2. They have been supporting and pioneering the Ottawa local scene by organizing shows in the area for over 20 years.

3. On tour, we always had hot and sour soup in every city.

4. Our first out-of-town runs of shows, we didn’t even have a band van, which we ended up finding late night the day before, purchased off someone privately, and had insured and plated the next morning before driving off in our amazing two-tone brown GMC Safari (RIP), the best van ever created.

5. Everyone was a huge fan of Sonic Youth

After a long hiatus, Doll returned in 2025 with a brand‑new album—and they’re keeping the momentum going with a follow‑up 2026 single, “Bear Claw,” releasing January 16th.

Doll is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario.

In 2009, Doll released their first album, Inside The Dollhouse. A video was filmed for their debut single, “Daddy’s Little Girl,” which aired on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. A second video was filmed for their next single, “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces.” Madore left the band a few years later, with Paquette returning to take her place.

In 2011, they released their second album, The Ragdoll Diaries. Two singles and videos emerged from this release: “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” The album was issued on both CD and vinyl. Soon after, Alex Vance joined the lineup as the new bassist.

Over the years, Doll has shared the stage with an impressive roster of artists, opening for Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Spinnerette, Protest the Hero, Band of Skulls, Anvil, Halestorm, SNFU, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Civet, The Creepshow, Die Mannequin, and many more.

Discography:
2025 – Better Days, Different Times
2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries
2009 – Inside the Dollhouse

Tours and Festivals:
2011 – Ottawa Bluesfest
2011 – IndieWeek
2011 – NXNE
2011 – Montebello Rockfest

0 Ottawa’s DOLL Premiere New Single “Bear Claw” To Follow 2025 Comeback Album “Better Days, Better Times”

  • January 16, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 16, 2026

Ottawa’s DOLL Premiere New Single “Bear Claw” To Follow 2025 Comeback Album “Better Days, Better Times”

Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL launches into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Bear Claw,” premiering today exclusively via New Noise Magazine alongside a brand‑new lyric video. The track serves as the next chapter in the band’s creative resurgence following their 2025 comeback album “Better Days, Better Times.”​
​
​“Bear Claw” continues DOLL’s evolving “Animal Crackers” trilogy, which began earlier this year with the fan‑favourite single “Shark Bait,” featured on “Better Days, Better Times.”​
​
​“We had such an amazing response to our first ‘Animal Crackers’ concept with ‘Shark Bait. We always planned to release three animal‑themed songs, but that positive feedback really propelled us as we finalized the next piece of the trilogy, Bear Claw,” the band explains.
​
The band believes fans will connect strongly with this new installment:

“I think it’s safe to say this is our best effort yet. We brought back some of that legacy DOLL riffing, mixed in the hardcore elements we toyed with in ‘Shark Bait,’ and really pushed ourselves creatively with the vocals and lyrics. We hope this one is just as well received, if not better. I guess it depends on whether you’re more of a land or sea animal lover.” ​
​
The single’s artwork pays homage to classic Smokey the Bear posters, reimagined through DOLL’s gritty, tongue‑in‑cheek lens. Artist Mark Kidd once again brought the concept to life with bold character design and a nostalgic yet rebellious aesthetic.
​
​“We wanted to revive some of the artwork we grew up with. We went heavy on that Smokey‑the‑Bear look, but added our own comedic twist, putting Doll on the hat and rebranding Smokey as Grungey. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, some attitude,” the band adds.
​
Musically, “Bear Claw” taps into the band’s classic sound while pushing into new territory. The track features signature leads, heavy wah‑wah pedal work, Christina’s unmistakable bends, and bursts of rapid‑fire strumming. The chorus hits with a hardcore‑infused punch from Pete, driven by drop‑tuned guitars that add weight and urgency.
​
The band also leaned into atmosphere and tension, crafting a breakdown recorded through a low‑fi head and amp setup to create a spooky, suspenseful moment before slamming back in with the crunch of the PRS MT100. The result is a dynamic blend of old‑school grit and modern heaviness, achieved without relying on keyboards, instead letting raw instrumentation carry the emotion.
​
With “Bear Claw,” DOLL continue to build on their renewed momentum, delivering a track that’s fierce, fun, and unmistakably their own.

“This song is definitely our most creative vocally. Christina changed up the delivery in ways we haven’t done before. We wanted the song to be fun, with some light‑hearted lyrics, but still true to the raw rock vocal and lyrical style that DOLL has always been about.”​
​
Watch the “Bear Claw” lyric video via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/1BGF0Pec0KtHMKPFUaOIPY

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Doll
• All songs written by: Doll
• Produced by: Josh Hart
• Mixed by: Josh Hart
• Mastered by: Josh Hart
• Single Artwork by: Mark Kidd
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up: Pete Kasper, Christina Kasper, Josh Hart

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/​

About: After a long hiatus, DOLL returned in 2025 with their album “Better Days, Better Times,” re‑establishing themselves as one of Ottawa’s most compelling alternative rock acts. Formed in Ottawa, Ontario, DOLL first broke onto the scene with their 2009 debut “Inside The Dollhouse,” followed by 2011’s “The Ragdoll Diaries.” Their music has been featured on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, and the band has shared stages with Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Spinnerette, Protest the Hero, Band of Skulls, Anvil, Halestorm, SNFU, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Civet, The Creepshow, Die Mannequin, and more.

-30-

What the press has said about DOLL:

​!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

​!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

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0 !earshot – august 2025 – top 20 loud – #5 – Doll, #18 Woodhawk

  • November 12, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · radio charts · Woodhawk

!earshot – august 2025 – top 20 loud

#5 – Doll, #18 Woodhawk

https://earshot-online.com/charts/2025/August/loud.cfm

0 !earshot – august 2025 – top 200 – #55 – DOLL

  • November 12, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · radio charts

!earshot – august 2025 – top 200

#55 – DOLL

https://earshot-online.com/charts/2025/July/top200.cfm

0 Merci Metallian \m/\m/ Août – Septembre 2025 Exitus Stratagem Records – Visitant, Devolver, Ancient Thrones, Doll, Night’s Edge

  • October 14, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Devolver · DOLL · Night's Edge · Visitant

Merci Metallian \m/\m/ Août – Septembre 2025
Exitus Stratagem Records – Visitant, Devolver, Ancient Thrones, Doll, Night’s Edge
https://www.metallian.online/accueilpro

 

 

0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love!\m/\m/ !earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal – Loud #3 DOLL | CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal – Top 30 #21 DOLL | CKUA 94.9 FM – Edmonton – Top 30 #16 WOODHAWK

  • August 28, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · radio charts · Woodhawk

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love!\m/\m/

!earshot – The National Loud Chart

For the Week Ending: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal – Loud

#3 DOLL

https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-08-26

==========================================

CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal – Top 30

#21 DOLL

https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?dWeekOfID=2025-08-26

==========================================

CKUA 94.9 FM – Edmonton – Top 30

#16 WOODHAWK

https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/ckua.cfm?dWeekOfID=2025-08-26

0 New Absolute Underground Magazine is out! w/ Live Review – Armstrong MetalFest – AMF by Broken Neck Radio Interviews w/ Doll, Vortex, KRATORNAS, Shores Of Null, HOG MEETS FROG, Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2025 Champions Killotine, OPHIOLATRY, Z-Cocoon and more!

  • August 20, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Armstrong Metal Fest · DOLL · Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes) · Kratornas · Ophiolatry · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records) · Uncategorized · Vortex · Wacken Metal Battle Canada · Z-Cocoon

New Absolute Underground Magazine is out!
w/ Live Review – Armstrong MetalFest – AMF by Broken Neck Radio
Interviews w/ Doll, Vortex, KRATORNAS, Shores Of Null, HOG MEETS FROG, Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2025 Champions Killotine, OPHIOLATRY, Z-Cocoon and more!
Get your copy – https://absoluteunderground.tv/absolute-underground-magazine-issue-125/

0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs For the Week Ending: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 !earshot – The National Loud Chart #6 Woodhawk, #9 Doll | !earshot – The National Top 50 #27 Doll | CFOU 89,1 FM – Trois-Rivieres – Loud #5 Woodhawk | CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph – Loud #1 Doll | CJSR FM 88.5 – Edmonton – Loud #7 Woodhawk | CJSW Radio 90.9 FM – Calgary – Loud #8 Vortex | CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph – Top 30 #1 Doll

  • August 13, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · DOLL · radio charts · Vortex · Woodhawk

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
!earshot – The National Loud Chart
#6 Woodhawk, #9 Doll
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/index.cfm?intChartTypeID=106&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
!earshot – The National Top 50
#27 Doll
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/index.cfm?intChartTypeID=101&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
CFOU 89,1 FM – Trois-Rivieres – Loud
#5 Woodhawk
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cfou.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph – Loud
#1 Doll
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cfru.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
CJSR FM 88.5 – Edmonton – Loud
#7 Woodhawk
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cjsr.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
CJSW Radio 90.9 FM – Calgary – Loud
#8 Vortex Band
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cjsw.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-08-12
===========================
CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph – Top 30
#1 Doll
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cfru.cfm?dWeekOfID=2025-08-12

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