Band : Coogan’s Bluff
Album Title : Magic Bubbles
Label : World InSound
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux
Release Date : 14/01/2011
Review : CD

This German quartet, named after a fantastic Don Siegel movie with Clint Eastwood, are clearly influenced by nugget rock’s past, cuz there are faint echoes of Vanilla Fudge, Amboy Dukes, Free, Jimi Hendrix, Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin. The classic rock feel of the records will not suit everyone's tastes, but the songs are affectingly catchy and retain their strength over repeated listens. The compositions are bluesy and straight forward, the guitar playing is hot, the rhythm section is tight and the singing is good, but Coogan’s Bluff is not going to blow your mind. Their biggest strength is that they are steady and consistent. There are some really cool tunes to be found here, for sure. But in a lot of places I get the feeling that some songs suffers from a lack of innovation, more interesting details or a better, more diverse structure. A lot of good music is to be found, but not many elements stick out as totally amazing or breathtaking. Though it has its fair share of songs, that are easily forgotten, the good outweighs the bad, and the overall impression of a fine release shines through!
Still, their CD is enjoyable enough that it'll find its way back into my CD player every now and then..

80/100

Cosmicmasseur.