On their 2023 debut EP, I described The Naggs as Germany’s answer to the Pale Lips. Three years later, the Düsseldorf band make their full-length debut. That description still holds, which makes sense given that 80% of the EP appears on the LP. But it’s probably best to call them what they are: a classic garage power pop ’n’ roll band.

In practice, that means roughly 50% Naggs and 50% songs by other people they love dearly. Among the eleven tracks are covers of Teenage Head’s Picture My Face, The Meanies’ It’s True, The Sidewalks’ Nice Guys and Protex’s Don’t Ring Me Up. My absolute favorite reconstructed song, though, is their take on Les Calamités’ Toutes Les Nuits. What a hit!

That many covers may be a bit much for some, but to my ears they sit comfortably alongside The Naggs’ own material. And honestly, I don’t think The Naggs are interested in being original at all. Somehow, they still sound like true originals.

The Naggs Generation is available from Pomegranate and Soundflat. While the record is not on Bandcamp yet, You’ll should be able to stream it on the service you subscribe to.

Add to wantlist: Soundflat