* En anglais uniquement
Emerging from the same Norwegian rock scene as
Gluecifer and
Turbonegro,
Mensen was a punk rock quartet influenced equally by
the Runaways,
Dead Boys, and contemporaries like
the Hellacopters. Led by the guitar and vocals of Mary Currie, the band also included Christine Sixteen on lead guitar, Power Plingis on drums, and bassist Rambling Roy.
Mensen first appeared with a 7" for Hit Me! in 1998; contributions to various compilations and a few more singles followed before the 2000 full-length
Delusions of Grandeur. Issued through Thunderwoman/Thunderbaby in Europe, it appeared on Gearhead in the U.S.
Mensen returned in 2003 with
Oslo City. The album showcased tighter songwriting and stronger pop hooks to go along with Currie's snide vocal delivery and Christine Sixteen's buzzsaw leads. ~ Johnny Loftus