We had singled out Roger Græsberg & The Anti-Music Bonanza in this year’s by:Larm program, but we must admit that we weren’t quite prepared for what we were served. This band delivered rock that in a very liberating manner branched out in many different directions – from lo-fi to country rock to pop to boogie. “They sound like the Norwegian version of Ween!” one of us exclaimed. The orchestra is fronted by the former mailman Roger Græsberg, and they perform songs from his back catalogue. During 2008 they will record some of the material for what will become their debut album. We’ve picked up that Græsberg is inspired by Giant Sand, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Charles Bukowski, Brian Wilson, Richard and Linda Thompson, and Elvis. There’s no doubt that he handles their legacy with style. At Øya you’ll be introduced to a band that is both surprising and entertaining, and that’ll treat you to one unpolished pearl after another.

www.myspace.com/antifolkexperience
www11.nrk.no/urort/Artist/thebonanza/default.aspx