Sound Check

Comments (0) By Brian Hyman Thursday, Jan 1 1998

Affectionately named after a nickname for young Rossella Annati (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), the alternative-pop trio China Doll came to life six years ago. Rounded out by sister Renata Annati (keyboards, backing vocals) and brother Matthew Annati (bass), the Fort Lauderdale band has since perfected their Beatles, U2, Carly Simon, and Tori Amos-inspired sound, releasing a self-titled, four-song CD last year. (Additional players contributing to the siblings' songs are electric guitarist Aidan Quinn, cellist Josie Phelan, and drummer Shawn Collier.) To promote the CD, China Doll has appeared at local venues, including Kelly's Pub, Churchill's, One Night Stan's, Independence Brewery, and Navigators Cyber Cafe, where they will appear on Saturday with Cousin Bluebone. The group has also played at Fort Lauderdale's NewRiver Fest and at downtown Hollywood's annual LoveFest (twice).

Independently, Rossella branched out as a featured performer during this past February's installment of Songwriters in the Round -- a showcase of local talent sponsored by the National Academy of Songwriters and Warner/Chappell Music -- while Matthew lent his bass-playing skills to local artist Kathy Fleischman's soon-to-be-released CD, Ten Doors Down.

Cuts from China Doll can currently be heard on WVUM-FM (90.5), WKPX-FM (88.5), and WZTA-FM (94.9). Listen for the crisp guitar chords and uniquely layered vocals on "Cold Fish," and then check out the aggressive vocals and feisty lyrics on "Don't Wake Up.