OLAV LARSEN
Love's Come To Town

It might seem strange at first to boast one of 2007’s most compelling alt-country records coming from an African-Norwegian singer-songwriter. After all, Olav Larsen’s only exposure to the great American roots tradition was seeking out as many imports as possible of old Jimmie Rodgers, Johnny Cash, John Prine, The Band, Townes Van Zandt and Uncle Tupelo recordings. But in the words of Harlan Howard: “Country music is three chords and the truth,” and Olav speaks to the truth directly. So with that, HYENA proudly introduces America to Olav Larsen & The Alabama Rodeo Stars and their debut recording “Love’s Come To Town.”

Already a cult phenomenon in Scandinavia and gaining quick revere in the UK, Olav writes songs that sublimely resonate with broken hearts, lost highways, sunshine daydreams and drunken promises. Astutely supported by his band, The Alabama Rodeo Stars, “Love’s Come To Town” is adorned with acoustic guitars, fiddles, harmonica, dobros, pianos and accordions. And while that might sound downright reverent to his influences, Olav and his band deliver with an urgency and modernity that finds them sitting comfortably amongst the likes of Giant Sand, Wilco and Ryan Adams. As the UK’s Maverick Magazine recently declared: “This is one of those rare happenings, an album that warms the cockles from uplifting start to fantastic, celebratory end. The more you play this the more you enjoy it until it becomes a best friend.”