Introducing: Forgetaboutit

Norwegian punk has been one of our favourite discoveries in 8 years of running GigRadar, but it’s been a while (over 2 years) since we discovered any new bands from this specific genre. However, that wait is over as we introduce you to 90s skate punk scene inspired Oslo quartet Forgetaboutit.

The band started out with Rob Hårstad (guitarist and songwriter) and Cato (bass and vocals) jamming and drinking together back in 2013. They took their then band on the “legendary” Polka Tour across Czechia and Poland with their friends in blackened punk band Korrupt. They went through a few lineup changes and a seemingly endless search for a drummer, which ended through pure luck as they found Vegard through Rob’s girlfriend. The lineup was completed last year when Torfinn Sommerfeldt Lysen, a long-time fan and stand-in guitarist, stepped in permanently on lead guitar.

The quartet have since set about honing a sound they describe as “melodious, fast and catchy.” As Rob tells us: “Even though it can be hard in this genre, we’ve spent a lot of time in the studio these last years trying to find our own sound. Our aim is to have a really good-sounding production while still keeping it real and true to the music. Actually, after our last album release, we’ve gotten a lot of people and fans telling us exactly that… so I guess we’ve succeeded!”

Our latest taste of this is What Went Wrong, which was released at the end of October. The track opens up with a cool spinning guitar lick that’s joined by driving guitar chords and drums, then drops into a lively first verse. The pace picks up a notch in an engaging singalong chorus “When the sun won’t rise again, We’ll all be wondering what went wrong? Still time left to prevent what’s already happening, What went wrong?”, which hands the reigns back to a return of the opening lick.

An angsty second verse keeps the pace going and the second chorus ends with a cry of “what the fuck went wrong?” before a fun little guitar solo. The guitars drop out leaving lone drums, before a lively section of dual vocals give way to another guitar solo, which sets up a big outro.

On the track, Rob told us: “The reception and feedback so far have truly been amazing! People really seem to be looking forward to what’s coming too! For anyone who hasn’t listened to it yet… fuckin’ do it! In all humbleness, it’s a banger! Full of catchy guitar riffs, vocal hooks and singalongs, with a strong lyrical message too.”

What Went Wrong comes from the band’s upcoming album, which promises to be a worthy follow-up to last year’s debut record Sometimes It Just Means Forgetaboutit, which includes more fast-paced punk rock bangers like ITY, Eternity, Predators Of Greed and Headphones On.

On the upcoming album, Rob said: “We’re beyond excited! We’ve been working so hard to make this record as good as possible and it’ll have more of the good stuff from our debut album. But also, more diversity. The album consists of both the hardest-hitting songs we’ve ever done by far but also some of the most melodious stuff. Can’t wait to get it out there!”

The Forgetaboutit sound draws influence from legendary 90s punk rock bands like Bad Religion, Pennywise, Nofx and No Use For A Name, as well as 70s rock’n’roll and the Scandinavian ‘ScandiRock’ scene.

And on what inspires them to write music, Rob explains: “A lot of different stuff, but typical lyrical influences could be big political changes, environmental issues, World crises etc… A good documentary, books and of course other bands and music in general are a big inspiration. Also, I tend to come up with a lot of ideas for songs while hiking or skiing.”

“The state of the world and all our faults and challenges as human beings has always been a recurring topic in the FAI lyrical universe. And also, there’s a personal journey in life that will lead to lyrics every now and then.”

Forgetaboutit have just finished up their European/UK/ScandinaviaSometimes It Just Means Forgetaboutit tour. They’re now fully focused on upcoming singles and the album release in 2025, which will have another corresponding tour. And Rob adds: “See ya in the pit or Fuckin’ Forgetaboutit!”

You can follow Forgetaboutit on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and YouTube.