Neste Steg (Next Step)

Strengeplukk  (“string plucking”) is the newest release from this talented band based in Stavanger, Norway. They consist of Andreas Barnes Onarhiem (mandolin, vocals), Jakob Folke Ossum (guitar, vocals), Mikael Jonassen (banjo, vocals), Nikolai Storevik (fiddle, vocals), and Vidar Starheimsaeter (bass, vocals). Formed in 2015, the group has become one of Norway’s top bluegrass bands combining their fondness for bluegrass’s musical style while infusing it with their own language and approach. 

Their music is both traditional and contemporary and follows such themes as love songs, humor, drinking songs, and Norwegian poetry, all sung in their native language and dialects. All of the members are talented singers and songwriters as well as being great musicians as their song arrangements show.

The selections include such songs as “Hikk (hiccup),” “Legg han i bloyt (put him to soak),” the title “Neste steg (next step),” “Saknet (missing someone),” “Aust-Vagoy (a Norwegian Island),” “For kvelden er forbi (before the night is over), and “Caravelle (as in the car).” While all the songs are in the Norwegian dialect, they are pleasantly produced and presented with really nice harmonies and instrumental prowess. The band does provide English translations for the project on their website strengeplukk.com. This is a really nice addition to the international Bluegrass community.