Death By Unga Bunga “Fight!” 7″ EP, 2016. Jansen Records. Death By Unga Bunga, from Moss, Norway (apparently the garage rock capital of Norway according the record label’s website), opened for Stiff Little Fingers last week at Shank Hall in Milwaukee. They had already started playing when we arrived to a stage full of raucous energy and 70′s inspired garage power pop. I’d never heard of them but by the end of their set I was thoroughly charmed, especially with their performance of “Wish I Didn’t Know” when they threw their guitars/bass behind their backs, played seamlessly and busted out a Rockettes-worthy synchronized kick (you can see a similar performance here at the 2:14 mark during their Solana Beach show earlier this month). Before SLF took the stage, I headed over the merch table and singer/founder Sebastian Ulstad Olsen graciously glowered for this photo, before breaking out an ear-to-ear grin and letting me know that they are really nice guys.

My friend Claire confirmed this. I saw her dancing exuberantly at the stage and figured she must have known Death By Unga Bunga. She told me they met in Chicago at the Empty Bottle this past winter but she had heard “I Wanted Everything” (on this 7″) before; DbUB have gained international attention in the past couple of years and are currently on their second tour of the US.

Not knowing their songs, I was thrilled to see that their set list had drifted off the stage (or perhaps Rockette-kicked) and into the little security pit and I was able to grab a shot.

Besides playing “I Wanted Everything,” they also played the title track “Fight!” as well as “Flesh Sweat Push” and “When You’re Alone” from the 7.” Although English is not their first language, they are completely fluent and, Claire says, write their lyrics in English “’Cause it’s fun!” I don’t think they played the song “Lady Fondue,” but the video gives an idea of Death By Unga Bunga’s infectious glee.