The opener, "Sex Changes" -- an explosive study in identity crisis -- comes closest to the punk-infused "Girl Anachronism." No band wants to be pigeonholed, but sometimes trailblazing means not milking the cash cow. Yet the Dolls don't seem in it only for the money: They promote fan-friendly photography and recording opportunities at shows. Problem is, those fans aren't there just to see the average three-chord rock band.
On the other hand, as tepid as the new release may seem, with Amanda Palmer's imaginative ivory-pounding and poignant lyrics, and Brian Viglione's drumming, sometimes at metal speed, the band just couldn't be average. Hear the proof on "My Alcoholic Friends" and "First Orgasm."