foLLow Down South Pepper Band viA:
Hailing from the small village of Kvalsund in northern Norway, Down South Pepper Band has carved out a unique niche in Scandinavia’s music scene with their signature blend of outlaw country, Americana and rock n’ roll. Known for high-energy live shows and clever songwriting, the band combines technical chops with plenty of spirit. Now 32 releases deep into a stellar catalog, Down South Pepper Band continues evolving their alt-country sound while staying true to their roots.
With their latest single “Hand in My Pocket,” the Norwegian foursome delivers another rollicking tune filled with old-school charm. Released on January 12th, the song offers a taste of the band’s signature sound – a blend of country, rockabilly and blues with a retro yet timeless vibe.
As “Hand in My Pocket” kicks off, lead vocalist Rune Nyby lays down twangy verses detailing first-world money problems over an upbeat shuffle driven by Eivind Kløverød’s drums. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics bring a bit of humor to the track as Nyby sings about all the people looking for a piece of his fortune, from thieves to tax collectors.
Hand in My Pocket: A Fresh Alt-Country Music
On the choruses, the band shifts into higher gear, with Lars Rune Rebbestad’s acoustic guitar downstrokes punctuating each line while Per Øyvind Mathisen holds down the low end on bass. Mathisen also breaks out some classic rock-flavored electric guitar licks on the solo section, harkening back to the band’s classic influences.
While the basic track has an old-school vibe, masterful production gives “Hand in My Pocket” a radio-ready polish without overproducing. Little embellishments like handclaps on the backbeat and faint keyboard accents fill out the sound. Still, the band wisely keeps the focus on the core instrumentation and Nyby’s dynamically-shaded vocals.
For longtime fans, “Hand in My Pocket” shows Down South Pepper Band faithfully delivering more of their signature alt-country sound. For new listeners, it’s a rollicking introduction to the band’s unique niche in the Scandinavian scene. With airplay around the globe, their music may originate from a tiny Lapland village but boasts world-class style and spirit.
