JOHN OLAV NILSEN & GJENGEN (N)Scandinavians such as Swedish Håkan Hellström and Danish Magtens Korridorer have already written many memorable songs about everyday life as it unfolds in the chilled welfare states up north. With John Olav Nilsen, Norway – and all of Scandinavia – has gotten yet a great songwriter who knows how to treat down-to-earth issues and put them into wonderfully straightforward and melodic rock. Writing simple songs with a universal appeal is an enviable art that will always be in high demand – in all postcodes and all temperatures. John Olav Nilsen may end up doing for Bergen what Bruce Springsteen has done for New Jersey. |  Life-affirming rock from the rainy city of Bergen. |
