Jason Crews is the owner and editor of INFRARED MAGAZINE and a Dallas–Fort Worth-based music journalist and concert photographer. Through INFRARED MAGAZINE and JASON CREWS PHOTOGRAPHY, he covers rock, metal, country, and live music with a focus on album reviews, artist features, concert coverage, and photography. His work is driven by a genuine passion for music and helping artists connect with new audiences through honest writing, strong visuals, and meaningful storytelling.
Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
ANNIKA ANDERSSON & THE BOILING BLUES BAND is: Annika Andersson – Vocals, Johan Ostergard – Guitar, Morgan Korsmoe – Bass, Ola Goransson – Drums
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REVIEW – ANNIKA ANDERSSON & THE BOILING BLUES BAND come out swinging on Reborn, delivering a collection rooted firmly in blues rock while giving each track enough personality to stand on its own. The record moves between gritty originals, soulful performances, and carefully chosen covers, all tied together by expressive vocals, strong guitar work, and the kind of groove that makes this music feel alive rather than overly polished.
There is a natural looseness throughout Reborn that works in the band’s favor. These songs are built to move, sway, stomp, and breathe. Whether the band is digging into a slow-burning blues number or kicking things into a harder rock gear, there is an undeniable sense that this music was meant to be felt as much as heard.
“20 Mile North” opens things with a smooth blues-rock groove that simply slides along. The instrumentation settles into an easy rhythm while the emotional vocals give the song its heart. Nothing feels rushed, allowing the track to establish the tone of the album with confidence and restraint.
The band follows with “Mississippi Queen,” offering a heartfelt take on the MOUNTAIN classic. Rather than simply reproducing the original, the performance carries its own weight and personality. The familiar riff remains the backbone, but the soulful vocals and blues-heavy approach give the song a slightly different character while still respecting what made the original so memorable.
“Looking Out My Window” is the kind of song that encourages the listener to simply lean back, sway, and sing along. The music gradually surrounds you, creating an atmosphere that feels warm and immersive. It is less about sheer power and more about letting the groove settle in until the song completely takes over the room.
“Ball And Chain” picks the energy back up with a foot-stomping, toe-tapping blues foundation that rocks with plenty of attitude. The rhythm section keeps the track moving while the guitars add just enough grit to give it an old-school barroom feel. It is an immediately accessible song that sounds made for a live setting.
“Saleswoman Blues” continues that momentum with a catchy riff and powerful, soulful vocals. This is the kind of track that makes standing still difficult. The groove encourages you to get up, move around, and let the rhythm do the work. The vocal performance adds a commanding presence, pushing the song beyond simple blues-rock familiarity.
“Full Moon On Main Street” slows things down with a slithering blues feel that pulls the listener deeper into the album. The track moves with patience, relying on atmosphere and tone rather than speed. There is something hypnotic about the way the instrumentation unfolds, giving the song a late-night quality that fits naturally within the record.
“Little Trixter” brings the energy back quickly. The groove is lively, infectious, and built to get people moving. It has a playful quality that keeps the album from becoming too heavy or introspective, while still maintaining the band’s blues-centered identity.
“Rock N Roll Hootchie Koo” gives the band another opportunity to tackle a classic, this time taking on the RICK DERRINGER staple. The performance is energetic and respectful without feeling like a carbon copy. ANNIKA ANDERSSON & THE BOILING BLUES BAND inject enough personality into the track to make it feel at home alongside the album’s original material.
“Texas Rooster” heads in a stranger and more atmospheric direction, taking the listener on a bluesy trip that feels slightly off-center in the best possible way. There is an unusual character to the track that helps it stand apart, giving the record another texture while still staying connected to its blues-rock foundation.
“Gator Annie” rides on a catchy beat accented by cowbell and an easygoing riff that immediately gets your leg tapping. It is a simple pleasure of a song, built around rhythm and feel rather than unnecessary complexity. The groove is infectious, and the band knows exactly when to let the riff carry the moment.
“Wild Beasts” delivers one of the stronger blues-rock performances on the album. It has the kind of energy that makes you want to get up and follow the band wherever the song is going. The track has muscle without becoming heavy-handed, balancing rock attitude with the looseness and soul of the blues.
“John Lee H” closes the experience as a musical tribute to blues master JOHN LEE HOOKER. It feels like an appropriate nod to one of the genre’s giants and serves as a reminder of where so much of this music comes from. The track carries a sense of respect without becoming overly sentimental, giving Reborn a fitting conclusion.
Reborn succeeds because ANNIKA ANDERSSON & THE BOILING BLUES BAND understand that blues rock is about feel above everything else. The album has grit, groove, soul, and enough variety to keep the listener engaged from beginning to end. The covers are handled with care, the originals have personality, and the performances never lose sight of the emotion at the center of the music.
This is the kind of record that works best when played loud enough to fill the room. It is music built for tapping feet, swaying shoulders, raised glasses, and the simple enjoyment of a band clearly comfortable living inside the blues.
For more information on ANNIKA ANDERSSON & THE BOILING BLUES BAND, visit:
www.AnnikaAnderssonBBB.com/
www.Facebook.com/AnnikaAnderssonBoilingBluesBand/
www.Instagram.com/AnnikaAnderssonBBB
www.YouTube.com/@AnnikaAnderssonBBB
www.Spotify.com/Artist/AnnikaAnderssonBoilingBluesBand