Press

City Pages April 25, 2007

BEST ALBUM OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS

Winner: Chooglin', Chooglin'

The group's handle, taken from a Creedence Clearwater Revival song title meaning "to ball and have a good time," appeared on the album's cover in that goofy font made famous by the band Chicago. In other words, Chooglin' announced no need to be taken seriously, and a growing audience obliged them. Yet the presence of two former members of the sublime Midnight Evils—guitarist/singer Brian Vanderwerf and drummer Jesse Tomlinson (now playing Telecaster)—should have been a tip-off. With an in-house brass section called "the Horns of Eleganza," Chooglin' bring "Take Mine Down" to unanticipated heights. Their rave-up R&B punk is the kind of huge and natural sound that few have bothered trying to re-create since Rocket from the Crypt. The rest of Chooglin' is just as addictive and unstoppable—a bender that's too good to park in rehab. (More in original article)

Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 05, 2007, by Chris Riemenschneider

Best Albums of 2006

19. (tie) Chooglin', self-titled
All the high-energy, lo-fi, no-frills garage-rock that you'd expect of a group spun off from the Midnight Evils and an "Exile on Main Street" tribute band.

Best Live Acts of 2006

4. (tie) Chooglin'
(More in original article)

The Onion A.V. Club, December 14, 2006, by Christopher Bahn

Best Music of 2006: Loon State Edition

Ex-Midnight Evils Brian Vanderwerf and Jesse Tomlinson needed a name for their new project, so they plucked one out of a Creedence Clearwater Revival song title meaning “wild partying.” It’s perfect: Chooglin’ is who they are and what they do, throwing down monster rock riffs and barreling ahead like a speeding locomotive. Is that train moving way too fast? Did we just pass a sign saying “DANGER: BRIDGE OUT”? Chooglin’ ain’t no tea party, baby. (More in original article)

Razorcake May 10, 2007, by Mike Frame

CHOOGLIN: (CD review)

Punk-informed ‘70s rock from Minnesota. Think Grand Funk or Mountain meets the Hellacopters. Better than most Scandi rawk but would be stronger if they would let off the gas once in a while. Some more dynamics would really make this stuff killer. Pretty good disc overall. (More in original article)

Classic Rock May, 2007, Issue 105, page 83, by Sleazgrinder

Chooglin' (CD review)

The fact that Chooglin' are from Minneapolis may explain why their high-flying, brass-accented rave-ups like You Got Me Howling and This Demon Life sound so much like pre-fame Soul Asylum with their tits on fire.
7 of 10 bars.

The Austin Chronicle, April 18, 2007, by Greg Beets

Choogle x2

Minneapolis' Chooglin', who rocked Beerland shortly before South by Southwest, take the name seriously on their latest self-titled.

Chooglin' utilizes garage-borne punk fury to remind us of the ass-shaking salvation once offered by the boogie-down guitar rock of the Seventies before it got all bloated on deli trays and cocaine.

Ex-Midnight Evils Jesse Tomlinson and Brian Vanderwerf conjure up double-barreled guitar pyrotechnics while drummer Shawn Walker splays himself every which way at a hundred miles an hour without losing time. Opener "So Stupid" spins itself into a frenzy approximating a speed-of-sound collision between Muddy Waters, Foghat, and the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs. Breakneck soul workout "Do It to It" and a well-placed cover of Roy Head's "Treat Her Right" garner extra oomph from the Horns of Eleganza's barroom brass. Theirs is the sound of workaday shackles rapidly evaporating into a rank steam of spilled beer and hormones. (More in original article)

LowCut Magazine, March/April, 2007, by Jens Kofoed-Pihl

Chooglin' (CD review)

Ex-members of Midnight Evils go boogie rock? Well, sorta, Chooglin comes across as a righteous mix of Skynyrd-esque southern rawk, Stax soul/r&b (yup, there's a horn section) and a bit of Swingin Neckbreakers/Supersuckers in the more rowdy cuts. Amazing stuff! This is basically what American rock'n'roll is about, and SHOULD be about; freewheeling hardrocking soulful and kickass r'n'r, rooted in the 70s but more vital than most new acts around today, and you can take that to the bank! There's not a weak track in sight, all killer no filler, pretty damn impressive for a debut album. (More in original article)

The Area Scene, March 9, 2007, by Chris Hennen

Chooglin' (their name taken from a CCR song), are less a punk/metal hybrid than the [Midnight] Evils and more straight up rock and roll, say more ZZ Top than AC/DC. But it's still done at a high octane, full throttle, balls to the wall pace. Jesse Tomlinson's lead guitar solos dot every song and his skills are a definite highlight of their sound, giving it both soul and grit. Their very first gig was opening for the Detroit Cobras and the Reigning Sound and by all accounts, Chooglin' blew their much more well established counterparts away. While the band has captured some of their trademark sound on their recently released self titled debut album, live is where the band shines. You truly don't appreciate the Chooglin' experience until you see it in the flesh. If you like it raw, loud and fast, then you won't be dissapointed. (More in original article)

ReadJunk.com, March 6, 2007

Chooglin' (CD Review)

Chooglin' is straight-up awful. Their name sounds like what I did in my toilette, after enduring ten hellish minutes of this crap.

Every song sounds like "Proud Mary." Then they try to "spice things up" by throwing some fast trumpets into song called "The Ice Queen." You know what it sounds like? Freakin' "Proud Mary" with fast trumpets!!! (More in original article)

Rift Magazine, February, 2007, by David Brusie

Chooglin' (CD review)

To be completely honest, I didn't expect to like Chooglin'. First of all - and this is parenthetical to the review, but I can't help mentioning it -- what kind of name is Chooglin'? You'd be forgiven for expecting them to be a bad jam band. Luckily, they're a fun garage band instead.

This is rock with feet strongly stuck in the seventies; these songs -- especially the Alice Cooper-like "The Ice Queen" -- wouldn't sound out of place in the movie Dazed and Confused. And while their self-titled debut is full of imitation, it's well-done imitation, full of spirit, energy, and more than capable playing. It seems like Chooglin' was aiming for something between Black Sabbath and the Black Keys, and they've come up with their own brand of rawk. And damn if it doesn't sound good.

This record is a rush of the highest order, and you'd be well-served to simply give in and sacrifice yourself to the rock gods. (More in original article)

Sliver Magazine, December 30, 2006

50 Words or Less (album reviews)

Chooglin' - Chooglin' (Self-Released)
"Hello, welcome to McRockalds, may I take your order please?"
"Yes, what can you tell me about the Chooglin' special?"
"The Chooglin' is the Minneapolis special. Horns, riffs, and some good ole' fashioned screamin' covered in thick, heavy rock sauce."
"Ooooo, that sounds delicious. I'll take it."
"Damn straight you will." (More in original article)

Minneapolis Star Tribune, November 17, 2006, by Chris Riemenschneider

Championing Chooglin'

For a band that's barely a year old, Chooglin' sure has gotten a lot of choice opening gigs. The very first show was with the Detroit Cobras, and since then they've played before Soul Asylum, the Dirtbombs, Heartless Bastards and the first Little Steven's Underground Garage Tour.

Chooglin's anti-formulaic formula is indeed a rarity among local buzz acts.

A horn-backed garage-rock septet, the band: a) grew out of the demise of the rowdy punk group the Midnight Evils; b) was inspired by the members' short-lived "Exile on Main Street" cover band, Eleganza; c) took its name from a bawdy Credence Clearwater Revival song about partying and d) boasts a grimy two-guitar sound, rhythmic oomph and sheer volume that Johnny Thunders, Bon Scott and Keith Moon might all nod in agreement over from the grave.

The band's first CD reflects that easy, freewheeling mood with its loose, low-frills sound. Produced by punk studio specialist Dave Gardner (Die Electric!, ex-Selby Tiger), the disc kicks off with a firestorm of guitar licks and howlin' snideness in "So Stupid," and basically never lets up. The horns come in a-blaring on "Take Mine Down" and make the biggest impression in the nugget cover "Treat Her Right," a mid-'60s garage-rock hit by Texan Roy Head. (More in original article)

St. Paul Pioneer Press November 16, 2006, by Ross Raihala

What a fine week to give thanks for our bounty of local music

The album: "Chooglin'"
The sound: Two former members of the Midnight Evils are among the enthusiastic noisemakers of Chooglin', which specializes in horn-enhanced, R&B-inspired garage rock. (More in original article)

City Pages November 15, 2006, by Chuck Terhark

A-List Picks: A-List Recommended Event, November 17

Chooglin' (CD-Release)

Call 'em the Vultures of Death Metal: dirtier, stinkier, harder, and groovier than most bands currently feeding on the carcass of '70s guitar rock. Chooglin' began circling overhead this time last year as a reincarnation of the much-loved Midnight Evils, but they soon proved to be as monstrous a rock 'n' roll beast as their progenitors, and even hornier (literally--they've got a horn section). And they did it all on the strength of an explosive live show alone. Now (finally!) frontman Brian Vanderwerf and company have managed to take the time out of their busy schedules (a choogler's datebook is packed, you know) to shellac their sticky sound to tape, and the resultant eponymous debut is every bit the swaggering effort it was advertised to be. (More in original article)

Pulse of the Twin Cities November 15, 2006, by Andrea Myers

Chooglin': Keep on keepin' on

"It is what it is," says guitarist Jesse Tomlinson, when asked to define the sound of Chooglin'. "Some people will call it punk, some people call it rock and roll, some people call it '70s rock or garage, but it's whatever we play. Who cares."

Truthfully, I also struggled when trying to fit Chooglin's album into any one category, with the exception of the all-encompassing, ever-changing genre of plain old rock. With the disc spinning in the background during our interview, it made for a great accompaniment to a conversation that focused mostly on their goals of having a good time, throwing back a few beers and trying not to try too hard when it comes to being in a band together. As the tracks changed the music ranged from straight-ahead, rollicking noise rock to bouncy, danceable beats that bordered on ska. The '70s rock comparisons are also justified, as their music has a timeless feel that could just as easily be heard on an aging hippie's record player as it could on a young punk's iPod. The band's description of themselves on their MySpace page (which asks members to choose from a variety of genres in order to classify their music) reads "Other." That seems about right.

That's the thing about bands like Chooglin', who have somehow mastered the balance of living the rock and roll lifestyle without falling apart--their lax attitude and emphasis on fun are what make their live shows so chaotic and exciting. And now, with a solid album of great rock tunes behind them, they're set to keep on chooglin' down the road to what appears to be a promising future for this great new band. (More in original article)

City Pages September 27, 2006, by Chuck Terhar

#4 in Picked to Click XVI (Annual Top 10 New Bands Poll)

Bad Moon Rising

CHOOGLIN' BRING HORNS AND HOT LICKS
TO THE MIDNIGHT EVILS' AFTERPARTY

To choogle, or not to choogle? That was the question facing Brian Vanderwerf in late 2005 when the fickle rock 'n' roll sun set on his band, the Midnight Evils. A bawdy bunch of eighth-note junkies with a live show so raucous they were twice voted "Best Rock Band" in these pages, the Evils were an antidote to the gently weeping guitars and foreplay-as-lyrics ethos of the early millennium.

Midnight Evils fans cheered the arrival of Chooglin' with hopes that Vanderwerf would continue the good work he began with the Evils. They were doubly thrilled to see he had Evils drummer Jesse Tomlinson in tow, now showing off his considerable guitar chops while allowing Walker to take over the kit with his best Keith Moon impression. If the resultant groove didn't convince those fans that Chooglin' wasn't just another version of the Midnight Evils, the horn section certainly did. The brass section's roots are in a 12-person ensemble called Eleganza, which Vanderwerf formed for the annual First Avenue Cover Band Contest. (They won the contest with their set from the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street, Vanderwerf's favorite record). Vanderwerf was so pleased with the sound that he invited "the Horns of Eleganza" to help Chooglin' record their first album, which he plans to release in November. (More in original article)

HowWastheShow.com, September 12, 2006, by Ryan Ruff Smith

But despite the incongruity of its line-up, the [Little Steven's Underground Garage] tour boasted some very capable garage rock acts with plenty of shout-along choruses, raucous guitar banging, and furious drumming worthy of Animal (y'know...the Muppet).

The presentation was a bit tawdry, with scantily-clad Go-Go Dancers taking the stage between each act and a red and white striped big-top themed set. However, the tacky set did provide for a hilarious Spinal Tap moment when the curtain's rings got stuck on the pole while stagehands were attempting to dramatically reveal a band launching into their set (this happened not once, but twice!). The first time, it took the roadies the better part of the band's first song to force the stubborn curtain open.

This didn't seem to rattle local act Chooglin', however, as they held up respectably to the touring acts. Their highlight came midway through their set, when they built up steam with a propulsive instrumental and then let it slowly leak back out with a tense, creeping slow-burner before eventually blowing the top off again at the end of the song. (More in original article)

Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 20, 2006, by Chris Riemenschneider

Words can't describe First Ave's new bands.

To fully enjoy First Avenue's Best New Bands showcase, don't start chooglin' too much before the last band.

That's the best I could come up with during Wednesday's newcomers show for the "use Chooglin' in a sentence" contest, which preceded a mighty set by the band of the same name, featuring two former Midnight Evils, a bursting two-man horn section and hyper takes on old gems such as Roy Head's "Treat Her Right." (More in original article)

HowWastheShow.com, January 18, 2006 by Zosia Blue, David de Young and Jennifer Paulson

Just before Christmas, Chooglin’ gave Soul Asylum a run for their money in the opening slot at the veteran rock band’s holiday show at First Avenue. At the Best New Bands Showcase, Chooglin’ got their comeuppance when they had to follow equally stellar Birthday Suits. It was a tough job they handled easily by virtue of having a different story to tell, and by sheer numbers (they win 6 to 2 when you count the two horn players who joined them onstage for their last couple songs). Each member of Chooglin’ contributes to the musical tornado they whip up onstage. Up by the speaker stacks, chest cavities continued to resonate as they had during Birthday Suits, if only a slightly less frantically. Vocalist/guitarist Brian Vanderwerf’s cap was pulled down so low it was almost over his eyes at times. Jesse Tomlinson shreds the “other” but definitely not second guitar. The bass player wielded his instrument like a weapon. Drummer Shawn Walker sits on a stool so low it looks like a tuffet, but Little Miss Muffet he ain’t. Judging by the reaction of most audience members, there’s no question this band belonged on the bill. (More in original article)

City Pages January 18, 2006 by Dylan Hicks

Their goofy name comes from an old Creedence tune. Two of their members--singer/guitarist Brian Vanderwerf and guitarist Jesse Tomlinson--come from roots-punk hard-asses the Midnight Evils, voted Best Live Band in these pages not long ago. And their sound comes largely from '70s rock of the hard and fast variety. But based at least on seeing Chooglin' open for Soul Asylum this past December (they played their first show in late November), the group isn't egregiously or self-consciously retro. They don't bother with Me Decade visual trappings, and treat their influences playfully rather than ironically (or reverently). Most importantly, of course, they rock in the manner of a hurricane or tornado or some such natural power. The lyrics, I haven't been able to make out yet. For some insight into Vanderwerf's tastes, we sat around his Uptown apartment, played some records, and talked about them. (More in original article)

City Pages November 23, 2005 by Christina Schmitt

The word "Chooglin'" sounds like an onomatopoeia for beer guzzling or trains chugging. It's actually a Creedence Clearwater Revival term for partying and fornicating, as laid out in the classic, "Keep on Chooglin'"--"You got to ball and have a good time/And that's what I call chooglin'." What's also called Chooglin' is a new local band that debuted last Friday night at the Triple Rock. The CCR reference was probably lost on the majority of the twenty-to-thirtysomethings at the show, but judging by how quickly and early the bar filled up, many did know that the opening band featured two former members of the now defunct Midnight Evils, guitarist/singer Brian Vanderwerf and drummer Jesse Tomlinson, who now plays a Telecaster. Chooglin' the band is a good time, emphasis on beer and a classic rock sound; their standout, Shawn Walker, also drummer for the Fuck Yeahs, channels Keith Moon through his manic drum fills. (More in original article)