Always somewhat outsiders of Bergen, Norway’s thriving music scene (just think of Turbonegro or Motorpsycho!), EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHOLY BABIES have since the late Nineties been carving out their own niche, far removed from "quiet is the new loud" ramblings and electronic pop favoured by some of their fellow Bergen dwellers. The guitar, unplugged or electrified, has and will always be EMMERHOFF’s weapon of choice. In 1996, EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHOLY BABIES were formed, originally to perform material from Gunnar Emmerhoffs low-budget solo album, The Joy of Mourning. There was no denying the immediate group chemistry, though. Using their common love of Led Zeppelin as the main fuel and mixing that with the band members diverse individual influences, they set out to create the sound that still keeps them one of the most identifiable bands today; melodic, dynamic and charismatic - sometimes quiet, sometimes monumental, always intense and always willing to explore to the full the sonic possibilities of the three guitars, bass and drums line-up.
Band members from 1998 onwards:Gunnar Emmerhoff, vocals, guitars Inge Joakim Rypdal, guitars Iver Sandoey, drums Arild Vikane, guitars Einride Torvik, bassAll five men were born and raised in rural areas scattered around the west coast of Norway. A definite closeness to the elements may have had an impact on their fondness for applying musical dynamics with such ease, and their ongoing quest to create music as diverse as the coastal meteorology itself
In November 1999 they released their debut album, Viva Revenge on their own label. This led them to finally getting some attention outside of Bergen, as the national music press obviously felt like they had been aurally ambushed by a band they had never heard of which was a situation soon to change, as EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHOLY BABIES was to become a household name for radio listeners, concert audiences and cd buyers alike. Among other live activity, 2000 saw the band performing at several of Norways biggest festivals, including the Quart Festival, supporting Lambchop.Inbetween one-off gigs and short tours, most of 2001 was spent recording what was to become the album Loosebox, released (also on their own label) February 2002. Getting massive airplay on national radio (two A-listings + album of theweek on NRK P3) and earning a veritable avalanche of rave reviews, this paved the way for the deal signed with Bauta Records in September 2002. The track Baby Sinister was also included on the compilation This Is Norway, and consequently earned the band some excellent reviews abroad as well:EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHOLY BABIES menace beautifully with the icy charm of an arctic Nick Cave Paul Stokes, Q Magazine The third album by EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHOLY BABIES, "If This Darkness Lingers" was released in Norway September 1st, 2003. It was instantly rewarded with what must be one of the most impressive collections of fantastic reviews ever published in the Norwegian press, and with its international release, it is now making the boys known to new fans throughout the world.The focus on the international market has remained strong since then, with all consequent albums being released in a variety of countries, to massive critical acclaim. The band has kept themselves busy live as well, with several tours in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands since 2004.
This fall, their fellow Norwegians will be treated to no less than a 3-day festival to celebrate the band’s 10-year jubilee, see upcoming concerts. To commemorate the jubilee, an EP with rarities from the arcives will be released as a free gift to the festival attendees. Listen to the unique collaboration with Ephemera on this site! The band hosts the party, you get the gifts...