From Acid To Zen

Norway's music scene is known for a wide variety of things, ranging from Occult-obsessed black metal to bubblegum dance-pop to avant-garde jazz to traditional Norwegian folk. But one thing that doesn't immediately come to mind when Norway is mentioned is roots rock, which has been a largely North American phenomenon. However, largely North American doesn't mean exclusively North American, and Big Bang is a good example of a Norwegian roots rock/rock & roll power trio that has had a very North American-influenced sound. Those North American leanings are impossible to miss on From Acid to Zen, which draws on influences that include Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, the Allman Brothers, and Neil Young. That is not to say that there aren't British influences as well on this 2008 release (among them, Bad Company and Cream), and it isn't the least bit surprising that a roots rock threesome would have both North American and British inspirations when one considers how much North American rock and British rock have influenced each other over the years. From Acid to Zen isn't the least bit groundbreaking, but if this 38-minute CD is derivative, it is enjoyably derivative — and Øystein Greni's lead vocals are inspired and heartfelt on material ranging from the psychedelic-flavored "Hurricane Boy" to the soul-tinged "My First Time" to the moody "From a Distance." From Acid to Zen, which was recorded in both Oslo, Norway, and Philadelphia, doesn't pretend to reinvent the wheel, but it is a consistently satisfying example of what Scandinavia has to offer when it comes to earthy, unpretentious roots rock.