We Can Be Anyone

This is a band from Norway that started out in 2012 as a trio, with Magnus Wiik (banjo, resonator guitar, mandolin, vocals), Espen Bjarnar (guitar, mandolin, vocals), and Aksel Jensen (bass, vocals). They performed extensively around Scandinavia and Europe and became quite popular with their mix of jazz, bluegrass, and Americana. 

In 2022, Siril Malmedal Hauge was asked to join the band and brought in her beautiful vocals and even some flute, which was found to balance nicely with Wiik’s banjo. This is the group’s fourth project and the first with Hauge. 

This collection of their originals really shows the interesting approach they have to the music. Selections include “The Way It Went,” “Hold Out Your Hand,” “Wouldn’t You Say,” “When I Was Young,” “If It Was Up To Me,” “Dangerous Stuff,” and “Baby Britain.” There are two versions of “Different Horse” and “No TV,” with one version being their radio edit. Then there is the instrumental “Dangerous Instrumental Stuff.” 

Hauge’s really nice lead vocal is the featured presence on this project. The songs are presented in a laid-back ballad style where the instruments simply enhance the Hauge’s voice. This is a really good new project from another of the international bluegrass community.