Oslo is the melting pot of music in Norway, in this pot Derringer resides. Ole-Richard Stokke stands at the head of this four piece band. He writes and vocalizes the lyrics, guitar cords are picked and strummed by Thor Sigurd Thorsen, the deep bass tones originates from the latest addition to the band, Ruben Larssen, and in the back, pounding the drums with a lucid enthusiasm, is Arne Harald Foss. "Jacks bleeding, she says sorry to late, and blows his head of with his own 38." This line is from Derringers song Better days. To some extent it sums up the theme of their music. Although there is the occasional light hearted song, the majority of lyrics revolve around the darker aspects of human nature. Tunes regarding hate, death, jealousy, betrayal, and fear can all be heard flowing out of the amplifiers when Derringer takes the stage. All bands rally their inspiration from somewhere, and not surprisingly, the late and great Mr John R. Cash is on Derringers list. Others include 16 Horsepower, Madrugada, Ryan Adams, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Leonard Cohen.To define their sound is not an easy task. Rock is to vague, and country fails to hit the nail dead on. But they are somewhere in between these categories. If faced with the shiny barrel of the above mentioned 38, I would depict them as a alternative country-rock band. This is not a band where you gather in front of the stage and head bang. Most likely you will find yourself at a table, perhaps with a brew, leisurely absorbing it with the music. When the set has come to an end, and you embark on your long road home, you will hopefully start contemplating some of the lyrics. And if you do, I promise you that youll find more than three pieces of yourself in them.
