DECEMBER 20th, 2023
OSLO ESS & THE DOGS
Review/Photos By: Polina Kulikovskikh
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/oslo-ess-the-dogs/

While Norway is widely acknowledged for its expertise in black metal, fewer are aware of its notable presence in the punk scene. If this fact intrigues you, I highly recommend exploring bands like The Dogs and Oslo Ess. I had the pleasure of witnessing both bands live on the 20th of December at Rockefeller club in Oslo. They not only showcased their latest albums on the road but also ignited the atmosphere with a blend of brand new tracks and iconic classics. It was a vibrant evening where the energy of punk music, often overshadowed by other genres, took center stage.

The Dogs kicked off the evening as the opening act. Over the years, their unapologetic and stripped-down approach to rock music has not only influenced but also inspired other Norwegian rock bands, establishing them as a significant contributor to the country's rock scene. I had the pleasure of witnessing their electrifying performance at Tons of Rock last summer, and it was an absolute blast—engaging, dynamic, and far from boring. In 2023, the band treated fans to a new album titled "Starvation" and set the stage ablaze with an opening performance of "Expectations Are Dangerous" from the latest release. They continued the energy with "Melt" from the album "El Verdugo" (2022) and followed up with "Fuses Are Shorter," another track from their recent album. The show was complemented by pyrotechnics, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already lively performance.

The Dogs setlist:
Expetations Are Dangerous
Melt
Fuses Are Shorter
In This Bed
Do You Wanna Die
Every Pain Needs A Name
Monumental times
I'm Done With Fucking, I Just Want To Dance
Try Harder
Stay Under Water
Where the Man Beast Crawls
Stay Away from Her
G.U.I.L.T.Y
Oslo

Oslo Ess, a Norwegian punk rock band formed in 2009, swiftly garnered acclaim for their vibrant and melodic punk sound, fusing catchy hooks with socially conscious lyrics. Their debut album earned a nomination for Best Rock Album at Spellemannprisen 2011 (Norwegian Grammy), and their subsequent two albums claimed the top spot on The Norwegian Billboard chart (VG-lista). The album "Frie Radikaler" received another Norwegian Grammy Awards nomination for Best Rock Album in 2019. Since their debut, Oslo Ess has achieved 10 singles listed on Norwegian national radio, featuring hits like “Alt jeg Trenger,” “Bislet Stadion,” “Caroline,” and “Gi meg noe dritt.”

Beyond their musical talent, Oslo Ess is recognized for addressing social and political issues in their lyrics, delving into themes of inequality, societal challenges, and personal struggles.

Renowned as one of the most popular live bands in Norway, Oslo Ess set a national record with 210 concerts in 2012. In 2023, they released a new album bearing the same title as the band, treating the audience at Rockefeller to some of its tracks.

The setlist encompassed a dynamic mix of classics such as "Alt Jeg Trenger," "Bislett Stadion," "Det Brenner Under Beina Mine," and more, along with the latest songs from the new album. Their energetic performance served as a fitting crescendo, marking the stellar conclusion to the concert year of 2023 for many, including myself.

Oslo Ess setlist:
Lang Vei Til Himmelen
Klin Gæern
En Dans På Nevroser
Midnatt
Amerika
Når De Døde Danser
(Unknown song)
Ikke La Dem Dra Deg Ned
Himmel & Helvete
God Morgen
Vårt Andre Hjem
Där Jag Står
Bislett Stadion
Aldri se oss tilbake
Det Brenner Under Beina Mine
Caroline

Encore:
Stjernesludd
(DumDum Boys cover)
Fritt Fram
(with OnklP)
Over Stokk, Over Stein
Kakkerlakkene
Alt Jeg Trenger