Oslo-based trio Dancing The Conga step confidently into a defining chapter with the release of their new album, ‘And Now… We Take America’. Known for their expansive songwriting and dynamic live presence, the band present a 13-track collection that captures both the emotional and cultural pulse of the moment while remaining rooted in their signature blend of melody and movement.
Described as cozy, messy, and loud, ‘And Now… We Take America’ channels a rich mix of melancholy and joy. The album moves freely between indie pop textures and 60’s free love psychedelia, creating a genre-crossing soundscape that feels both playful and purposeful. Throughout the project, Dancing The Conga weave a politically relevant perspective into their songwriting, shaping a body of work that is as reflective as it is anthemic.
The album was written, recorded, and produced entirely by the band, reinforcing their hands-on creative identity. Mixing was handled by the band’s Henrik Lillehaug, e.g., Norwegian Dave Fridmann, while mastering was completed by Frida Claesson Johannson at Swedish Gramophon Studio. The result is a cohesive sonic journey that highlights the trio’s attention to detail and commitment to their artistic vision.
Across the record, the band explore relationships in both intimate and expansive forms. The songs turn inward and outward simultaneously, balancing personal reflection with broader commentary. Tracks such as ‘Security Council,’ ‘Empire of Dirt,’ and ‘American Girl’ demonstrate their willingness to confront large-scale themes head-on while maintaining melodic strength and clarity.
Since the release of their 2023 debut album, ‘Trying to define newpunk,’ Dancing The Conga have built a strong reputation on stage, performing more than 60 shows across Norway. Their standout performance at Bylarm 2024 earned them the NOPA Prize for songwriting, further cementing their status as one of the country’s compelling live acts. In summer 2025, they began consulting with London and Stockholm-based management Myco and recently signed with Live Nation’s Norwegian booking agency, Time Out.
Reflecting on the project, the band share: “And Now… We Take America” leaves no doubt about what we are here to do. We understand that if you want to get ahead (like former NATO GS Jens Stoltenberg), you’ve got to make friends with your enemies, even if that entails sacrificing your soul (and social democracy) on the bonfire of neoliberalism. This album explores the consequences of that sacrifice. Also, we will never again be this relevant with anything, ever.
