Span (band)

SPAN was a Norwegian rock band that formed in 2000 from the ashes of two other outfits; Explicit Lyrics and Squid. Self-proclaimed as "Norwegian Turbo-Rock 'n' Roll Commandos" [1], the band spent much of the years between 2002 and 2004 touring the UK and Norway as well as spending a brief time in the U.S.. To date they have sold over 55,000 albums world wide.

In August 2005, much to their loyal fans' disappointment, SPAN announced that they were to take a break. Unfortunately there are no plans to return since a post on their website stated that the band "no longer share a common dream and ambition" and that they have "decided to end this while we are still the best of friends".

Labels

In the Summer of 2002, the band signed to Island Records, recording their debut album at RAK Studios in London with producer Gil Norton. Despite much interest gained from incessant touring and the minor-hit singles 'Found' and 'Don't Think The Way They Do', Island held back the album Mass Distraction until 2004, a year after its originally planned release date, and much of the early impetus was lost.

SPAN then tried to establish themselves in the U.S. but were unsuccessful after attempts to sign with Geffen Records and Interscope Records fell through. In fact Interscope had agreed to sign the band after an impressive showcase gig at LA's Troubadour. However, following roster rationalisation at the label, SPAN were unceremoniously discarded without releasing a note Stateside. Additional tracks were recorded for a planned US version of the album but this never saw the light of day. The track 'Stay As You Are' featured on a US TV Nissan car ad, which attracted considerable public attention, but the opportunity had gone. Additionally, their song 'Don't Think the Way They Do' was featured in Gran Turismo 4.

Their second album, Vs. Time, was released in Norway only, on the Johnny NoWhere/Mercury label. Despite a domestic hit single with 'Cut Like Diamonds' peaking at number two, by the Summer of 2005 the band had decided to split, with singer Jarle keen to pursue a more mellow style. The band played their final gig before a sold-out Oslo crowd in October 2005 and fans eagerly await a commemorative DVD of the event, which has yet to see the light of day.

Life after SPAN

On September 1, 2008, singer Jarle Bernhoft released his first solo album "Ceramik City Chronicles". He showcases songs and videos on his MySpace site (www.myspace.com/jarlebernhoft). He has done work with acclaimed Norwegian artists Kristin Asbjørnsen, Friko, Shining, Big Bang and Hanne Hukkelberg, doing guitar, bass, percussion, vocals, flute, et al. Guitarist Joff Nilsen, bassist Kim Nordbæk and drummer Fredrik Wallumrød formed the heavier metal outfit Dog Almighty, with singer Sindri from the Norwegian band Farout Fishing. Their debut release emerged in the autumn of 2007 but didn't have the pop sensibility of SPAN. Sindri subsequently departed the band and though auditions took place for a new singer, the band appears to have split.

Freddy now plays with Norwegian metallers El Caco, whilst Kim is working with the melodic local outfit Sibir. Meanwhile Joff has kept a relatively low profile, focussing on session work and production.

On January 24th the release "Container" saw the light of day. This multivocalist 12-track cd, written by Freddy and Joff, has Jarle singing on one of the tracks along with other vocalists like Venke Knutson, Thom Hell and Shaun Bartlett to name a few. No touring to promote the album is so far scheduled, with all the vocalists focusing on their own careers.

Band members

• Jarle Bernhoft: lead vocals, guitar
• Fridtjof 'Joff' Nilsen: guitar, backing vocals
• Kim Nordbæk: bass, backing vocals
• Fredrik Wallumrød: drums, backing vocals

Ex-members

• Vemund 'Wes' Stavnes: bass, backing vocals

Full length albums

Mass Distraction is the first album by Span and features eleven tracks. Standard UK versions of the album add a track, bringing the total up to twelve. It was released in February 2004 on Island Records and produced by Gil Norton. There is also a UK special edition version with a second CD of rarities.

Track listing

1. Found
2. Don't Think the Way they Do
3. Peaceful
4. Papa
5. Stay as You are
6. Missing in Stereo
7. On my way Down (Album Version)
8. Buckle Under Pressure
9. Baby's Come Back
10. Wildflower
11. When She Stares
12. The End (UK bonus track)

Vs. Time, April 2005 (Johnny Nowhere / Mercury)

Track listing

1. Better Believe It
2. Cut Like Diamonds
3. The Outside
4. I'm One of Us
5. Living in a Suitcase
6. I'm Nothing
7. Sea
8. Nowhere to be Found
9. When I Fall
10. Room for One
11. Wish it Would Rain

External resources

• Span's Official MySpace Page