The new single from Sugarfoot is a compelling, energetic stream of sonic joy. Originally released on 2016 album “Different Stars”, it captures a time when there were deep social and political divisions opening up and conveys serious meaning in contrast with the band’s uplifting sound. All these years later, the song’s words and themes are still sadly relevant. The focus isn’t on any particular political leader; rather, it’s a wry commentary about the behaviour of all politicians. ‘Political Disaster (In the End)’ is expertly arranged and showcases the group’s fine voices. Hogne Galåen and Øyvind Holm deliver a light, bright guitar strum, over which their voices combine in beautiful harmony, following a fresh, catchy melody. Layers build throughout the song, with Roar Øien’s dreamy pedal steel and Thomas Henriksen’s lush keyboards rising above Even Granås’ insistent drums and Bent Sæther’s tuneful, rhythmic bass.
The band, from Trondheim in Norway, supported The Waterboys on their recent tour and even appeared on the 2025 album “Life, Death, and Dennis Hopper”, which also featured the likes of Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen. Sugarfoot have just released the career-spanning “Cosmic Norse Americana”, a compilation album that covers the band’s five previous full-length releases. It serves as a fine introduction to the six-piece’s captivating blend of psychedelia and cosmic americana, which is inspired by the sound of 1960s California and the likes of The Byrds, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Grateful Dead. If you like your harmonies bright and sweetly melodic, then check out the new compilation and this great live performance.
