Yesterday saw the release of Filth and Wisdom, the debut full length album from Cape Town based, South African post-punk trio The Medicine Dolls. Recorded at Just Music Studios in January 2020 and co-produced by renowned producer Matthew Fink and the bands very own Greg Allan, the album is the ultimate in sonic chaos, wrapped tightly in streaked eyeliner and delicious danger.
The band comment on Filth and Wisdom
“We wanted to make a record that was the sonic recreation of receiving a firm Dr Marten to the teeth, while naked in a street fight with one’s self. With Mathew Fink in the producer chair, I think we were able to achieve that. It’s a filthy, surfy, noisy piece of work for any occasion.”
Matthew Fink comments on the album
“I was invited to produce The Medicine Dolls ‘Filth and Wisdom’ album purely on the strength of my record collection at home. Growing up on albums by the likes of Joy Division, Siouxie, Gang of Four, Love and Rockets,, The Birthday Party, The Cramps, The Fall, Bauhaus and The Jesus and Mary Chain, it is no wonder The Medicine Dolls and I hit it off. “
More info about The Medicine Dolls
The band was formed in September 2016 by Greg Allan (guitar & vocals) and Bex Nicholas (bass). They take their primary influence from the sound of the gritty underground 70’s (think The Velvet Underground meets The New York Dolls in the celebrated CBGB’s bathroom), with lashings of 80’s indie music, post-punk, and a crucial injection of filthy surf rock to emerge as a chemical and exuberant fusion of The Cramps, The Doors, and The 5.6.7.8’s, with more than a healthy nod to The Birthday Party in all their infamous glory.
In the four years that they have been visiting the planet, they have released five EP’s on their own steam and barely survived several extensive national tours, as well as featuring on numerous underground compilations and in publications from around the world.
In 2018, they secured the celebrated opening spot for one of South Africa’s most influential alternative bands, Springbok Nude Girls, at The Hillcrest Quarry in Cape Town, and 2019 saw The Medicine Dolls embark on their first international tour and also the release of their fifth EP, the wicked ‘A Compulsion To Ruin’. 2020 saw the band signing to South Africa’s leading independent label Just Music for the release of Filth and Wisdom.
Filth and Wisdom is out now on CD and limited-edition cassette. You can stream the album on all digital platforms HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, subscribe to our newsletter or join our WhatsApp Community.
If you like what we're doing for the SA Music Scene, feel free to buy us a coffee!
Living in South Africa and looking for a new smartphone? Check out Mondo Mobile - They partner with major networks to offer competitive deals, making it easy to find affordable options for your connectivity needs.
If you're looking for something to do, check out our SA Gig Guide. Alternatively. feel free to check out our Featured Posts or scroll down to see a list of related posts.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music. These playlists are updated regularly.
Feel free to follow @hennokruger on TikTok or subscribe to SA Music Zone on YouTube.
If you're looking for the latest entertainment news, check out Running Wolf's Rant.
Feeling factual? Check out Interesting Facts.
