In August and September 2023, Norwegian rock quintet Dim Gray undertook their first extensive tour of the UK and Europe, playing 15 dates across nine countries with Big Big Train. The band recorded each show and have picked out a selection of songs and performances that will form a live digital EP to be released in the autumn.
The EP will contain live versions of songs from both Dim Gray albums to date, as well as their recent single, ‘Murals’. Each performance was recorded by front of house engineer Rob Aubrey at shows in England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Norway and mixed by him to create a document that captures the band’s live sound in authentic fashion.
The first track from the EP to be issued is ‘The Wave We Thought We’d Ride Forever (live)’, an energetic rocker originally included on ‘Flown’, the band’s 2020 debut album and a song that drummer Tom Ian Klungland states “was one of the first tracks we wrote together and has been a staple in our live shows for years.” Recorded at Cadogan Hall in London on 12th September 2023 and the opening song in their set, this live version is accompanied by a video that displays a spirited and confident performance at what was the final show of the tour.
Guitarist/co-vocalist Håkon Høiberg adds: “’The Wave…’ is always a fun song to play live and coming so early in the set it provides a lot of energy for the rest of the show,” while bassist Kristian Kvaksrud reveals that “Cadogan Hall was actually Dim Gray’s first ever gig in London! It really was a special moment for the five of us. The audience was great and we gave everything we had on stage! This live version of ‘The Wave…’ sums up the show perfectly.”
Dim Gray was formed in Oslo by the original core trio of Oskar Holldorff (keyboards, vocals), Håkon Høiberg (guitar, vocals) and Tom Ian Klungland (drums), issuing debut album ‘Flown’ in 2020 to rave reviews. Subsequently signing to English Electric Recordings, they released ‘Firmament’ in 2022 to similar acclaim. The group have promoted both records in both the UK and mainland Europe via guest slots with Marillion as well as Big Big Train. Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keyboards) and Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) joined as permanent group members in 2023.
