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Pure and simple Rock 'n' Roll...

When you think of Rock 'n' Roll, Brussels might not be the first place that springs to mind, but St. Giles three-piece Hulk are out to change that. Their new album 'Cowboy Coffee and Burned Knives' has only one aim: 'to bring the sex and swing back to Rock 'n' Roll'. Formed from their mutual love of artists such as Elvis, MC5, Motorhead, Thin Lizzy and, more recently, Queens of the Stone Age, Hulk first entered the scene with their debut mini-album, 'Kings of the Night', but it was their first full-length album, 'Party Time' in 2003, that really started to make waves. Now it's up to 'Cowboy Coffee and Burned Knives' to prove their worth.

The most notable aspect of 'Cowboy Coffee and Burned Knives' is its distinctly dirty, unpolished and spontaneous sound. Recorded in the Rancho de la Luna studio (made famous by Josh Homme's 'desert sessions') in just nine days, the album truly captures what seems to be a deep-rooted love of Rock 'n' Roll. The improvised feel of many of the tracks and the numerous artists and friends that add to the backing vocals make this album sound like something genuine, rather than the over produced commercial rock that all too frequently rears its ugly head. 'My Nation', 'Bad Girl... Bad Boy' and 'It's Alright' get the album off to a brilliant start; dirty Rock 'n' Roll with a bluesy, sometimes country vibe, often sounding like 'Get A Grip' era Aerosmith with Thin Lizzy style harmonies that makes for good, honest, uncomplicated Rock. Meanwhile, tracks like 'Magic' and 'Down' take on a darker feel, both with seductive melodies and undulating Queens of the Stone Age-style riffs.

Even though 'Music Is Love' and 'Never Walk This Way' begin to lose the instantly likeable sound of tracks like 'My Nation' and 'It's Alright', they're still full of big hooks and up-tempo beats, with Herr Mayer's guitar work sounding as sexy as ever. However, the standout tracks here are obvious; the swaggering, arrogant sound of 'Real Rocker' sees Hulk reaching new heights with its gigantic hooks, while 'Like Everybody Does' brings the album to an energetic close with its swinging, bar room feel.

The bonus track, 'Seducer' is a nice final touch and again adds to the spontaneous feel of the whole album. Brant Bjork (ex-Kyuss and Fu Manchu) provides the lead vocals and Mathias Scheeberger takes up the organ to produce another catchy slice of swaggering rock complete with memorable melody and vocal harmonies.

Hulk provide a refreshing break to commercial rock with 'Cowboy Coffee and Burned Knives', the album's overall feel is one of genuine and spontaneous Rock 'n' Roll spirit. Hulk sound like a band that need to be heard live, and if they can capture this kind of effect in the studio then their UK tour this summer promises to be fantastic.