Clockwork Orange only released one single: Sensation Boys b/w Spellbound, issued on Dybdahl’s own Temptation Records label. Pressed in 1000 copies, it sold out within a few weeks and was later voted #2 “Single of the Year” in Norwegian music paper Nye Takter (beaten by Take on Me...). It was also a contender on the teen pop chart show ”Ti i Skuddet” on national radio (NRK), while radio DJ Harald Are Lund would play a demo version of the song a lot on his show.

Dybdahl has never written lyrics in Norwegian. It never ocurred to him; the language of rock was English, writing in Norwegian would be marginalising the music. He was a fan of Bolan, Lou Reed and David Bowie in the 70’s, and was fascinated by the thought that they had fans all over the world, creating an international community.. Dybdahl, too, wanted to communicate globally – succeeding to some extent, since the song is still remembered as a cult hit in various parts of the world.

Sensation Boys was recorded in Clan studios, in Halden – one of Norway’s best and most expensive studios at the time (March 1985). However, Norsk Lydskole, a school for sound enigineers and studio workers, used the studio for their courses, and offered the band a deal where they would record the single for free, if the school could use the recordings as a ‘case study’ for mixing and production. In fact, they recorded another song as b-side than the one they would use, called “Contradiction” – but the band were so pleased with their recording that it was decided that the track was too good to tuck away on some b-side! So they opted instead for the song “Spellbound”, recorded on eight tracks in the backroom of Norsk Lydskole.

Personal differences between Avnskog and Berg soon split the band, so this second single was never issued. Dybdahl and Berg were at one point gong to continue the band, although songwriting sessions were not very productive. Also, Dybdahl had discovered the musical talents of another old mate, Geir Sinding, and they would soon record a 7” EP as Downers.

After Clockwork Orange, Avnskog joined Kid Death and the Nightshades, taking the song “Sensation Boys” with him (it was recorded on their LP, both forwards and backwards!). Avnskog also started working as an enigineer. Dybdahl would keep recording with him throughout the 80s.

Years later, Berg would help Horsemen out on a gig, operating an on-stage mixing desk for their last gig but one.

Releases

"Sensation Boys/ Spellbound"; 7", Tempation Records Tempt 001, 1985

Known demos/ Unreleased material

"Sensation Boys", demo version. Played on radio, 1985.

"Contradiction", Recorded at Clan studio, Halden, March 1985.

"Like Old Swiss Clockwork", instrumental. Home demo, 1985.

Several promotional cassettes exist on Temptation records. However, it's difficult to say if the songs are by Clockwork Orange, Downers, Horsemen, Tor Dybdahl solo, or other related bands.

Related projects

Blue Mathue 

Downers

Kid Death & The Nightshades 

Horsemen