Cougar Magnum- Green EP Review

Artist: Cougar Magnum
Title: Green EP
Website: http://www.cougarmagnum.com
Style: Jam/Rock
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Cougar Magnum started out in September 2006 hailing from the city of Raleigh, North Carolina and is comprised of, Shane Smith (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Brandon McLean (guitar, vocals, kazoo), Alex Shepherd drums, vocals), John Federal (bass, vocals) and Tim Lee (keys, vocals).

 

The band combines many elements to achieve their sound found on their first release the Green EP. The 5 tracks (1.Emily's Song, 2.The Outer Banks, 3.The Trail, 4. Jump In, 5. Felix Chesapeake) do have some things in common including a light and fun feeling that runs throughout.

 

You'll also find an ever-present drum beat that is built upon with free flowing dual guitar parts, and smooth keyboard work along with layered vocal harmonies. Several of the songs also feature nice little extras like whistling and harmonica.

 

On their website the band says that their name comes from, the cougar-cat and magnum-condom.

 

The Green EP offers the listener a nice big bite sized morsel of the band's music.

 

The band also has an interesting court case about to happen. In the spring of 2007 they competed in a Battle of the Bands and won. They were suppose to win $400 cash, 20 hours of studio time, a promotional deal, and a guaranteed gig at a large event however all they ended up getting was the cash.

 

So they turned to TV justice and will be appearing before TV Judge Greg Mathis on January 23rd. That episode of the show is scheduled to then air in February or March.