“Diploid Love” is the latest record from ex-Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle and the first released under her own name. In 2009 she released a self-titled record with her band Spinnerette and her latest album has a similar sonic palette. For better or worse.

Unfortunately while “Diploid Love” has its loud and fast moments, it’s very far removed from her punk days with The Distillers. The second track “Underworld” sets the high watermark for speed and aggression (and also lasts for a very unpunk five minutes and nineteen seconds). But the trumpet part sounds really out of place.

Dalle herself sounds less ferocious than ever on this record. She sings “Don’t Mess With Me” on the track of that name, but sounds entirely unconvincing. Album highlight “Meet The Foetus / Oh The Joy” features guest vocalist Shirley Manson and is the most interesting track on the album. Unfortunately it’s all downhill from there as the final three tracks on the album drag.

I was ultimately very disappointed with “Diploid Love”. It doesn’t have the hooks that “Spinnerette” did and without Dalle’s unbridled fury, the songs just don’t hold up.