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koogaphone

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"Koogaphone Big Cliff Review"

I must confess that before even listening to this CD 'Big Cliff' had made its way from our music page and onto my playlist about 2 months previous and it hasn't budged since.

The reason? Well its hard to put a finger on just one thing as the track is greater then the sum of its parts. The snappy drumming attached to a rumbling, bouncing bass make up the watertight foundations, bolting things together during the various ear catching tempo changes. On top of this sits the guitars, which gently stab away at the melody, leaving Gravell's voice to grab you by the nether regions and pull you close, cursing and sneering in your face.

It's immediate, quirky and unsettling, leaving you with the feeling that she might be an ever so slightly unhinged bunny boiler on the quiet. As for 'Cliff', well lets just say I really wouldn't want to be in his shoes even with a parachute on hand.

The other two tracks on offer bolster the feeling that this is a band with a dynamic that's very close to hitting it's spot in the song writing department.

'Something Better' arrives a bit like a angry female version of an Editors track but then quickly changes into its own clothes with a harmonious chorus, an errie mid song break and build, and some complementing, rangey guitar work. The last track, 'White Trash', returns, in part, to the tempo changing of 'Big Cliff' with more direct lyrics settling on the seedier side of relationships.

Perhaps given Koogaphone's points of origin (Newcastle, Blackpool, Devon and Czech Republic) I shouldn't be too surprised about the underlying eclectic nature of the three tracks here. However, the overriding edgy vibe, especially prevalent in 'Big Cliff', is really what gives Koogaphone, well, an edge really.

Potential? Oh yes.

Written By: Pete H

- The Mag


"Koogaphone Live"

There’s something compellingly dramatic about Koogaphone though. Maybe it’s Julie’s odd but powerful voice, soaring throughout the venue, sorry ‘auditorium’, like Bonnie Tyler and Kate Bush come over all riot grrl. Or maybe it’s vampiric guitarist Nick, dividing his time between his Gibson SG and Pulp-via-the-Stranglers keyboards. Either way, these psycho-sexual tales, veering between caterwauling femme-punk and swaggering indie anthems packed with chunky power chord guitars are delivered with a knowing sense of the theatrical that tonight only occasionally veers over in the genuinely unhinged. - Drownedinsound- Tommy Mack


"Koogaphone Review- Urban Lawns"

It’s a girlie takeover! Rachael Carter provides lashing of bass driven fuel for the raven haired Julie Gravell to light with her guitar and then sing the blaze’s praise! The blokes in the band, the drummer and guitarist keep the conflagration growing and I’m actually surprised this lot aren’t signed to a major label! This is hot bitch dirty girl rock with songs like ‘Easy Lay’ and ‘Killer Looks’. Not for a long time, has there been a girl punk/rock band who do it like Siouxsie. New song ‘Big Cliff’ is due out mid-July well worth a listen. This band alone made coming to the festival worth while.

- efestivals


"Demo Review"

Koogaphone's Easy Lay does what dirty sexy rock- and- roll is supposed to do. It makes you want to get pissed laid and dance- Antonio Papaleo - Fierce Panda


"Fast Loose and Lovely"



I have found Koogaphone is fueled by equal parts anger and naivete. Listening to their debut album, Fast, Loose And Lovely has the impact of an iron fist in a velvet glove. The music is rauchous, the lyrics raunchy. It's everything you'd want in a rock 'n roll album, Led by the growling yet tender vocals of guitarist, Julie Gravell, Koogaphone touch a tarty nerve with stand-out songs like "Monroe", "White Stillettos"and "Don't Talk To Strangers" that mix sweet pop meolidies with a curious peak at the sordid underbelly of urban British society. Barfly Magazine states "Passion and power may be fused with pop melodies and dark lyrics , but when it all boils down to it, one thing can be said of this band - they sure do rock!"( - Bobby Dazzler Records-


"gig review"

The excellent Koogaphone top the night off with a raucous and energetic rock set. The distinctive, classy female vocal projects well - it is possible to hear a bit of Joplin in there somewhere - and some interesting twists and turns in the music hold the audiences attention, yet the songs are instantly accessible. This is a tuneful, quality rock act without a doubt, and it is most likely that we shall all be seeing a lot more of them!
- Swaine 69


Discography

Various compliation in UK, Italy, Russia, Germany Brazil.
Radio play in UK, Japan, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and Canada

Fast Loose and Lovely- Booby Dazzler Records Canada 2005

Big Cliff- Jimmymethingy Records 2007 Released on Itunes, napster, HMV online etc July 16th

Photos

Bio

‘With a name inspired by a Polish telephone sex line, Koogaphone can’t help to do anything but rock in a rock chick kind of way.’ The Koogas exude the raw, loud energy of punk and smother it in catchy melodies, anthemic choruses topped with deliciously dark lyrics.

Julie- ‘the possessed guitar wielding temptress’ and Rachael met whilst dating the same guy. Removing him from the picture they started a band. Then in 2005 they enlisted Devonian drummer Matt- who in his teens played with local heroes ‘Lizardsun’. Last to be recruited was ex-Czech Ski champ Tony Kubik.

The Koogas quickly received glowing reviews and toured the UK and Canada performing alongside The Horrors, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Story 1, Tom Vek, Babyshambles, The Alabama 3, My Luminaries and The Pigeon Detectives.

They went on to record with Pat Collier (Primal Scream, The Wonderstuff, Maximo Park) and Paul Tippler (Idlewild, Placebo, Forward Russia) and Mark Ralph (The Rakes, Filthy Dukes) a kooga track has also been remixed by The Suicide Sports Club. They were thrilled to be invited to play Bestival 2006 and NXNE- Toronto which lead to Canadian album release. A highlight of their career so far was playing Glastonbury 2005. A lowlight was the unexpected arrival of 200 riot police at the D-Form festival in Barcelona. The muddy mayhem of Glasto beat Spanish tummy in el Señor’s police cell.

Since Glasto they received interest from several labels - the Koogas finally decided to sign with an Independent. It did not turn out to be their finest move- so they left the label earlier this year. They have since been in the studio with Pat Collier recording new tracks including the debut single ‘Big Cliff’ set for release on itunes etc on July 16th 2007. Its accompanying video was directed by cool, up and coming director Karl Rooney and features The Koogas as you have never seen them before! The koogas nect gig is to 15 000 sexy Italians just outside Milan. They can't wait!!!

www.myspace.com/koogaphone