First released in 1988 and now remastered for 2015, ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ by Norway’s DumDum Boys is re-released as a limited edition vinyl, in addition to standard digital formats. With ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ falling just short of a top ten place during its initial release, the album was well received by critics and supporters alike. Such positive responses to this first album led to increased recognition as DumDum Boys went from strength to strength, with each successive release more or less landing the coveted number one slot in terms of the Norwegian album chart. When approaching the contents of the reissued ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ for the first time, after missing this now landmark album during its debut release due to the band being a Scandinavian delicacy rather than possessing international status, the feeling is the same level of curiosity of approaching a new band for the very first time. Once the tracks of ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ start to familiarise themselves, the evidence is there for all to experience in terms of why this album received such critical acclaim first time out. Classing its contents as alternative rock for the period in which it first originated, the sound of ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ is distinct for the gruff manner of Prepple Houmb’s vocals and general robustness of the guitars. Opening song, ‘Fant Frimann’ garners much praise for its guitar riff that practically drives the song throughout, and for lingering long in the memory due to its addictive appeal. The initial clattering of instrumentation that introduces ‘Lunch I Det Grønne’ gives way to a steady rhythm, with the guitar taking precedent along with a charismatic turn by the DumDum Boys leading man. Title track ‘Blodig Alvor’ hints at 70s period Rolling Stones with its lighter strokes of guitar and bluesy harmonica. The same label can be applied to ‘Kunne Vært Verre’ (‘Could’ve Been Worse’), only the influences are more conspicuous. Elsewhere, ‘Papirsang’ takes a different approach with the guitars adopting an indie jingle-jangle that was prevalent during ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’s’ first release, and then ending on a quieter note with the brushed instrumentation and toned-down vocals of rather excellent ‘Idyll’. After several repeat outings, ‘Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na’ keeps offering enough reasons as to why it deserved its reissued status, it’s just a shame that the restrictions created by its choice of language will continue to confine this album to a limited market.