Artist: Ex Norwegian
Album: Standby
Label: Dying Van Gogh
Genre: Indie/Powerpop/Classic Rock/Shoegaze
Release: 2009.03.10
Web: http://www.exnorwegian.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/exnorwegian
Tracks:
01.Fujeira In My Dreams ( 2:39)
02.Don't Bother ( 3:11)
03.Something Unreal ( 2:20)
04.Fresh Pit ( 2:15)
05.Pow3rfull ( 2:13)
06.Sudeki Lover ( 2:56)
07.Add Vice ( 2:48)
08.Gross You ( 2:31)
09.Dance Trance Pants ( 2:51)
10.All Over Again ( 2:57)
11.Sad Wonder ( 2:36)
12.My Name is Paul ( 3:16)
Release Notes:
Calling the thriving melting pot of Miami home, indie-rock buzz band Ex Norwegian formed in 2008 and performed at CMJ only months after their first gig and the release of their first single "Something Unreal." Their debut full-length “Standby,” releasing March 17, 2009 on Dying Van Gogh Records, includes twelve tracks that highlight Ex Norwegian’s love of classic power-pop mixed with British-invasion sensibility, creating an irresistibly catchy and unique style.
Ex Norwegian’s curious name came from a Monty Python episode. Chief singer/songwriter and guitarist, Roger Houdaille, is joined by high school friend Carolina Souto on bass, Arturo Garcia on drums, and Venezuelan Billie G on guitar.
While many are quick to point out influences such as the Kinks, Lou Reed and Talking Heads, the group does a fine job at coming across as a bit of fresh air. Much of the lyrics on Standby possess a subtle, edgy cynicism, with irresistible grooves and melodies that are plentiful too, as is the use of the all-powerful, scarily omnivorous mellotron. EX NORWEGIAN’S choice of band name usually demands some explanation -- its curious origin is from a Monty Python episode; as does their album title -- Standby started off as an inside joke but soon found a deeper meaning in today’s political climate. A handful of songs on the disc are political in nature, despite Houdaille’s allegations: “I tried to avoid writing blatantly political songs, but ultimately there are few on the album, including “My Name Is Paul” which is dedicated to former World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz.”
In anticipation of their debut album, two singles were released in 2008, the Shins-styled folk-pop “Something Unreal” and the 7" vinyl release “Dance Trance Pants,” which falls neatly somewhere in between The Killers and 70s glam epitomized by bands like T. Rex. The success of these singles was accompanied by numerous live performances throughout the US, as well as an appearance on the European TV network Sky News. Ex Norwegian now prepare to embark on an east coast tour this spring.
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