by Jason Birchmeier
The former frontman of Norwegian rock band Span, Jarle Bernhoft is an alternative singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Oslo who made his solo album debut in 2008 with Ceramik City Chronicles. Born on June 21, 1976, he co-founded Span in 2000. Comprised of Fridtjof "Joff" Nilsen (guitar), Kim Nordbaek (bass), and Fredrik Wallumr?d (drums), in addition to Bernhoft (vocals, guitar), the band signed a major-label contract with Universal Island Records in 2002 and debuted late in the year with the single "On My Way Down." The follow-up singles "Found" and "Don't Think the Way They Do" were Top 20 hits and set the stage for the eventual release of the band's full-length album debut, Mass Distraction (2004). Produced by Gil Norton, a British veteran celebrated for his work with American alternative rock bands Throwing Muses, Pixies, and Foo Fighters, among others, Mass Distraction was a Top Five hit on the Norwegian albums chart, solidifying Span's stature as an up-and-coming Norwegian rock band with the potential for international appeal. The band's second album, Vs. Time (2005), was even more popular, reaching the Top Five and spawning the smash hit "Cut Like Diamonds," which nearly topped the singles chart, going all the way to number two. The band split up shortly after the album's release, however, and Bernhoft embarked on a solo career as a singer/songwriter with a more varied, less abrasive musical style. Following collaborations with Kristin Asbj?rnsen, Dadafon, Lester, Siri Gjaere, Hanne Hukkelberg, and others, Bernhoft made his solo album debut with Ceramik City Chronicles on Universal Music. Though much different in style than his work with Span, Ceramik City Chronicles proved just as popular, opening at number four on the Norwegian charts. The album includes the singles "Streetlights," "Sunday," and "Fly Away."