A blast of punk rock angst from the Northern Irish originals!
They say it’s better late than never – and in the case of original punks The Inflatable Dolls from Dungannon, Northern Ireland, this has proven to be true! Originally formed in 1978, they were part of the vibrant first wave of punk that swept across Northern Ireland, sharing stages with other emerging punk outfits. After early gigs from 1979–81, the band split, later reforming in 2003. Since 2018, when they played at Rebellion Festival, the Dolls have been active again with a refreshed lineup, blending their classic punk spirit with a sharp, modern energy.
The band’s debut full length album ‘Punk Rock, Guitars and Girls‘ was released on 31st August 2025, nearly 50 years since they first formed as a gang of school friends, having been well and truly bitten by the punk bug. The original lineup was: Joe Ross (Guitar), Paul McBride (Macker) Rhythm Guitar and vocals), Paul Connolly (Onion) (Drums) and youngest member Feargal Quinn (Fergie) (Bass and vocals) who was just 15 at the time.
The current line up is; Feargal Quinn (Fergie), Bass and Lead Vocals, Martin Comac (Mardy C), Lead Guitar, Sean Quinn, Guitar and Peter Faloon on Drums. Heading to Starlite Studio, Dungannon, the quartet recorded “a collection of songs that we have written over the last 22 years, with one from the early 1980s” explains Fergie.
‘Daddy’s Girl‘ opens the album with the catchiest of rock’n’roll guitar riffs, determined drumming and melodic vocal harmonies. The title track ‘Punk Rock, Guitars and Girls‘ is another strong one – the story of the band in a song, full of punk spirit! Track #3 ‘It’s Never Too Late‘ continues at lively punk pace, the guitar solo midway is top notch.
‘Your Secret‘ is a reflective song, looking back with regret upon a betrayal. It’s another melodic, guitar-driven crowd pleaser. There’s more angst in ‘Stone Cold‘, with the guitar almost taking off! The next track ‘Please Denise‘ has got to be a single – the innocence of young, unrequited, schoolboy love encapsulated brilliantly into song:
‘Superman‘ is a fun one – there’s depth both musically and lyrically, with a bit of humour too – “Never trust a man who wears his pants on the outside!” There’s more betrayal in ‘She Said‘, an old-style belter that will have feet tapping. Another dash of teenage reminiscence in ‘Julie Mary and Me‘, a cheeky song that will have you bouncing as you grin at the lyrics! Last track ‘Fed Up‘ was written back in the band’s early days. It certainly showcases their punk rock credentials and makes a stunning finale to the album:
If you’re reminiscing upon the roots of your original punk self, this album will help you to revisit to your teenage days!
‘Punk Rock, Guitars and Girls‘ is available on splatter colour vinyl, CD, and digital download from HERE and also from independent record stores across Northern Ireland.
- Daddy’s Girl
- Punk Rock, Guitars and Girls
- It’s Never Too Late
- Your Secret
- Stone Cold
- Please Denise
- Superman
- She Said
- Julie Mary and Me
- Fed Up
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