Bare Folk’s Debut Album Is Here

Bare Folk’s Debut Album Is Here: Bergen’s Rising Folk-Jazz Ensemble Drops Noe Tror Jeg & Noe Vet Jeg 🎶

Emerging from the fjord-lined heart of Bergen, the genre-blending group Bare Folk has released their long-awaited debut album, Noe Tror Jeg & Noe Vet Jeg, via Apollon Records—and it’s already generating serious buzz. The album dropped on Friday, May 9, delivering a rich, poetic, and uniquely Norwegian sound that lands somewhere between folk, jazz, and lyrical theatre.

Despite being a young band, Bare Folk is already critically acclaimed in their home city. With songs that sound both nostalgic and entirely new, their debut feels like a breath of fresh mountain air: rooted in tradition, but not bound by it.

Folk Songs with a Twist

While Bare Folk clearly belongs to the visesang (songwriting/folk) tradition, they stretch the genre's borders with flair. From delicate harp melodies to biting satire and love ballads soaked in melancholy, Noe Tror Jeg & Noe Vet Jeg is a musical journey across emotional landscapes.

The songs move gracefully from somber and reflective to hopeful and humorous—never losing touch with their melodic core. The album feels distinctly Norwegian, yet its mix of jazz chords, tango rhythms, and acoustic textures gives it universal appeal.

A Standout Performance at Vill Vill Vest

Bare Folk made a major impression during their set at Vill Vill Vest in 2024. Bergens Tidende journalist Joakim Randa Bertelsen praised the band for their lyrical wit, genre fusion, and strong stage presence:

“It may sound absurd, but beautiful Bergen dialect suits folk music better than any other. Bare Folk uses this to their full advantage—blending it seamlessly with jazz, tango, and more. The lyrics are clever and poetic, the music grounded and rich. Vocalist Lovise Espeland brings charm, character, and emotional depth to the stage.”

 From Bergen to the Airwaves

Before the album, Bare Folk released a trio of singles that hinted at their broad musical palette:

  • Allfarvei – featured on DR P8 Jazz (Denmark)

  • Barnedrøm – played on SWR (Germany)

  • Hele Jorden Rundt – aired on NRK P13 (Norway)

With growing international recognition, the band is quickly becoming one of Norway's most exciting new voices in folk music.

Spring & Summer Tour Dates

To celebrate the release, Bare Folk is hitting the road for a release tour spanning Norway and beyond. Their upcoming appearances include:

  • Live at Heart Festival – Malmö, Sweden

  • Josefine Visescene – Oslo, Norway

  • Columbi Egg Folk Club – Bergen, Autumn 2025

Known for their dynamic live setup, Bare Folk performs everything from intimate duo sets to full-bodied sextet performances—each tailored to the venue and occasion.

 

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