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The Donnas ‘Gold Medal’

From page 72 of Classic Rock Magazine December 2004

Cover of December 2004 issue.

(Atlantic)

On paper, The Donnas are a glorious proposition: Ramones-style music with the addition of feminine appeal. Bursting with rock’n’roll attitude, these are girls who look like they could drink you under the table, and act sweet and innocent when they meet your parents. They’re the hellraisers next door. Or at least they were, because for the first time in their career The Donnas have faltered and released an album that just doesn’t cut it.

The trouble with ‘Gold Medal’ is that it’s just far too safe. Producer Butch Walker (who previously worked with Avril Lavigne – what did they expect?) has a lot to answer for, as his polishing job has played a major part in dousing all the fire that used to be in the girls’ bellies. Add to the polishing the fact that songs like ‘I Don’t Want To Know (If You Don’t Want Me)’ give the impression that the band are already going through the motions, despite their relatively tender years, and you’re left with an album that, for the most part, fires blanks.

Gold medal? This record doesn’t even get the bronze.

★★ ★★★ Brett Callwood