There’s something wonderfully refreshing about an artist refusing to overthink things, and on his new single ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong?’, Gubbe sounds like he is having more fun than ever. The Norwegian project of songwriter Bent Olav Olsen has often explored darker corners of alternative rock, but this latest release flips the mood completely, delivering a bright, guitar-heavy track built around questionable decisions, reckless enthusiasm and the kind of humour that immediately sticks.
The premise is gloriously simple. Shark diving, bear hugging, storm chasing and base jumping all become part of an increasingly absurd parade of ideas that probably should have been reconsidered long before anyone asked the title question. Yet that playful concept is exactly what gives the song its charm.
Musically, the track matches that energy perfectly, as guitars drive the song forward with real momentum, while bass, drums, synth and percussion give everything a loose, full-band feel. There’s a warmth to the arrangement that keeps the track sounding spontaneous, and the chemistry between the artist and the musicians around him comes through clearly.
‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong?’ feels like the sound of friends making a record because they genuinely wanted to be in the room together, and there’s an infectious looseness in the performance that gives the song far more personality than something technically flawless ever could.
It also suits the wider identity of Gubbe beautifully. The name itself roughly translating to “old guy” says plenty about his approach: unpretentious, self-aware and uninterested in chasing whatever happens to be fashionable. Instead, he continues to make melodic alt-rock on his own terms.
With this new gem, Gubbe has delivered one of his most instantly likeable releases yet. Energetic, witty and packed with character, it’s a reminder that indie-rock doesn’t always need to carry the weight of the world on its shoulders. Sometimes, a terrible idea and a loud guitar are more than enough.