Review: The Davidson Trio – Cougar
The Davidson Trio – Cougar
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release 2025
Text: Martien Koolen
The Davidson Trio, consisting of Owen Davidson (vocals, bass guitar), Ben Bicknell (guitar) and Ellis Brown (drums), are a “dirty”, swampy, bluesy, Southern rock trio based in Birmingham. The music of these three guys is booming, hard rocking, well crafted, funky and truly reminds me of the super group Black Country Community.
‘Cougar’ kicks off with a song called Medusa Touch and this one sets the tone for the rest of this swinging album, as it is a brilliant blues rocker for sure, just check out the amazing catchy guitar solo! The title track is a slow blues one with “emotional” vocals and almost “soft porn” lyrics by Davidson celebrating the love of a good cougar and Bicknell’s guitar solos are searing and wonderful indeed.
Bad Moon, the next highlight, is a short but funky, southern rock gem with again a brilliant guitar solo, while Blue River is a beautiful blues ballad kicking off with an awesome guitar solo again; man, this Ben Bicknell can play a mean guitar indeed! The Cure is packed with hard rocking chops and vocalists Owen Davidson really shines here, while the last song is again a modern up beat blues track. Catfish Blues, an up tempo blues rocker closes this wonderful album and then it is time to press the repeat button and enjoy this old-style blues rock album again, as these three guys know how to shake the room for sure.
The eight songs on this album are packed with angular riffs, ferocious guitar solos, awesome vocals and lots of musical diversity, making ‘Cougar’ a powerhouse rock blues album which you have to enjoy at maximum volume!! Listening tip: Bad Moon.
Tracks:
01. Medusa Touch
02. The Deep
03. Cougar
04. Hold On
05. Bad Moon
06. Blue River
07. The Cure
08. Catfish Blues