In a modern age of music, a band tucked onto a dimly lit stage in downtown Salt Lake City is bringing back the roots of rock & roll — The Sex Dolls.

The Sex Dolls are made up of Trevor Eichelberger (lead guitar and vocals), Thom Vardell (bass) and Mattie Ballard (drums). While rock and roll is harder to come by in this day and age, listening to The Sex Dolls is like taking a trip back in time. Their love and passion for music is what drives them to keep rock alive. 

“We all just have a genuine passion for making music and the bands we grew up listening to. There is something to be said about us missing that kind of sound locally though, not that we’re the only ones doing it, just that we also love it, miss it and want to hear it again, so why not play a part in making it?” Ballard said. 

More than “punk”

The band’s enthusiastic stage persona is a must-see, often causing them to be labeled as “punk.”  

“I think our high energy levels, loud amplifiers, minimal effects, and our overall attitude often gets us grouped into the “punk rock” realm,” Eichelberger said. 

While they don’t contradict these statements, they find their sound to be more “rock & roll,” but they strive for the values of “punk.”

“In a world driven by money, greed, addiction and a constant struggle for power. A mob mentality can get to any of us … Sticking true to your individuality, maintaining your moral compass and caring about others, or honestly anything outside of yourself, that is all punk in my book,” Eichelberger said. 

And that’s exactly what The Sex Dolls represent. They aren’t afraid of expression, and if anything, they thrive on it. Rebellion is often thought of as negative because it goes against the norms of what society wants you to believe, but it’s not about causing anarchy; it’s about the concept that believing different and being different is okay.

“In its core, punk will always be about thoughtful rebellion, but a lot of it is just having fun and escaping how overbearing the world can be,” Vardell said. 

A growing scene

The Sex Dolls are playing a role in Salt Lake’s blossoming music scene. Being a more unconventional band in this era isn’t easy and it takes courage, especially one writing about personal and political matters. Particularly in Salt Lake City, there’s a large religious background and it can be tough to speak up and think differently. 

“I do think rock and roll is very important here and can be a huge catalyst in helping Utah raise kids to think for themselves and break away from the cult-like religious sway most grow up with here,” Eichelberger said. 

Vulnerability is a big part of rock and roll and punk and The Sex Dolls want people to understand no one struggling is alone and music can be a gateway out.

“Most of our songs are about our personal struggles like loss of loved ones or addiction,” Vardell said. “Inspiring a genuine feeling in ourselves and others is the main goal across most of our songs,” Eichelberger said. 

Built on tape 

Music production has become very modernized and technology heavy. However, The Sex Dolls are trying more traditional methods. Using a four-track analog recorder, they are producing a much more raw sound and with that comes a bit more work. 

“Recording analog with only four tracks is super fun but can also be very limiting in today’s digital age,” Eichelberger said. “These first demos are all very much “live” recordings with minimal sound reinforcement, some janky microphone placements and our little power trio smushed in one room just trying stuff out.”

While their earlier demos fall more into a raw and “live” sound, they are looking ahead. The band plans to record a studio album this year and is excited to work with better studio equipment and expand beyond a four-track limitation. 

Even with plans for a more advanced studio album, the band isn’t interested in losing the spirit that defines them. At the end of the day, the most important thing to The Sex Dolls isn’t how they’re labeled or where they fit but how people feel when the music stops. 

“All I can hope for is people walking away feeling energized, connected and having had a fun night,” Ballard said. 

And in Salt Lake City, that might be what keeps the noise alive. 

Stayed tuned for updates on their Instagram @The.Sexdolls