Bergen Rock City, Norway
This is a story about a place that I have always associated with heavy metal and fjords. Norway. It’s a story about two bands that have dispelled that sound with their own almost swinging, smoother then metal, rock music.
It’s actually not really a story at all. I happened to come across these two bands that are from the same part of Bergen Norway, Ungdomskulen, and Ralph Myerz, at about the same time last week and got into their rockin’ sounds. Unfortunately, I also learned that they are both a bit obscure and it is almost impossible to get your hands on an album or mp3 of theirs. After a bunch of record store scouring and internet cruising over the Thanksgiving break I did manage to find a few tracks for you. Rock from Norway. sweet.
[audio:https://thenewlofi.com/wp-content/audio/2010/11/ralph_myerz-1982_robotdance.mp3|titles= Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band – 1982 Robotdance (live)]
Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band – 1982 Robotdance (live)
You can bet that after this 3D trend is over (every movie magazine and clothing company is having their brand go “3D” somehow. there’s even a 3D TV now), there will be a massive robot trend. Somehow this Norway trio was way ahead of their time when they put out this track (ok, besides Daft Punk). 1982 Robotdance features some robotized vocals and a disco rockin’ rhythm.
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[audio:https://thenewlofi.com/wp-content/audio/2010/11/ungdomskulen-witches_mate_in_the_underground.mp3|titles= Ungdomskulen – Witches Mate In The Underground]
Ungdomskulen – Witches Mate In The Underground
This is a little more of what I expect from Norway. It’s rock with a metal influece backed by vocals that are reaching slightly higher pitches. It’s softened up just a bit. a more contemporary rock (think Wolfmother, We Are Wolves, etc.). But there is no question that this rocks with the driving bass guitar line, and the almost off beat discord from the guitar. There are even some horns to add to the grungy rock flavor. Rock on Norway.
