Magnus Wiik - mandolin, banjo, dobro, guitar, fiddle Espen Bjarnar - guitar Aksel Jensen - double bass

Open String Department’s second album on Just For The Records features nine original tunes, whereas six were penned by Wiik. Recorded in 2019, the album saw the trio finding more of their own identity and sound in the studio. The album is presented as a long-form, where all the tracks segue into each other through various improvisations, creating a suite of music for the listener.

In media:

The trio challenges, and breaks down borders to create some new and unique. Beautifully done! - LIRA

For sure Open String Department has managed to do it again. Maybe even more cleverly than the first time, and with at least as much playfulness. I state as I have done before, the best American music does not come from America - Mono Magasin

Through and through this is a wonderful and very “un-Norwegian” album that brings joy from three amazing musicians with a clear and united musical vision - Salt Peanuts