This 1996 debut by the
Greenland Whalefishers was one of the more impressive releases by the multitude of '90s
Pogues-influenced groups. In fact, of all the
Shane MacGowan wannabes, Arvid Grov is the most convincing. Not only does Grov's voice resemble
MacGowan's in an uncanny manner, his exceptional songwriting is nearly the equal of his mentor. And Grov penned most of the songs on this album. He is accompanied by a lineup of musicians that also understand the spirit of
the Pogues' music -- Gunnar Grov on mandolin and banjo, Agnes Skollevoll on tin whistle and harmonica, and the punkish/hillbilly rhythm section of drummer Frond Eikemo and bassist Tommy Bardsen. This is a uniquely strong first effort from start to finish with no obvious filler. The only drawback associated with
The Mainstreet Sword is that it was released on an independent label in a relatively small country; hence, widespread publicity eluded this release. ~ Dave Sleger