... And Then I Still Said Yes To Sin.

Did you ever wonder what a hyperactive kid on 40 redbulls would look like? Wanted to trash your own home for no apparent reason? Or maybe the home of a friend? Or wondered what it would be like to really fuck at the same pace as rabbits? Don't worry, this record will help you accomplish all these magnificent things. Trust me. O.o

When Grand Island released their debut album "Say No To Sin" in the fall of 2006 they pretty much filled a missing link in norwegian rock all by themselves, the lack of "Freespirited Crazyies". With inspiration taken from almost every corner of the music universe its impossible to classify this band in a single genre (unless you want to put them under their own "hardsoul-bluegrass-disco" genre, which is where they classify themself). And you know what? You simply can't help going completely nuts to it.

To some people this record is a nightmare, to others it's a blessing. The reason is simple; this album is a giant circus that never stops going nuts, and you better be prepared to go crazy for duration of it 'cause other wise you wont last long. After all, "Energetic" is this record's middle name. There is always (at least) 3 diffrent styles of music playing at the same time, Espen Gustavsen's voice constantly keeps your head spinning and never lets you focus on anything but the music, and you really feel like you just stepped onto the most insane rollercoaster that ever existed.

What makes this album so interesting tho, is all its small but unique treats. The allready mentioned voice of Espen Gustavsen will grab your attention immidiately, but like everything else on this record his voice is hard to describe. However, if you can picture a rockabilly-god on speed that has just stumbled into the universe of gypsypunk-paced instrumentals, then i think you got the right picture. After that you'll start loving Jon Iver Helgaker's circus inspired keyboard plays, that somehow always manage to fit the rest of the music perfectly. And last but not least you'll notice that Espen's brother Pål is actually switching onto a banjo instead of his guitar from time to time, but still keeps rocking out just the same.

I'll be honest, this record doesn't sound like the salvation on paper. But don't be fooled, if you can handle the pace, then this is one of the greatest records this side of the millenium. After 2 years i'm still not sick of it.

Grand Island - "Us Annexed"