Ex-Norwegian's Debut Disc Dazzles

Details

Ex-Norwegian: With Sirens and Sealions. Friday, April 10. PS14, 28 NE 14th St., Miami. Show begins at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $8. Ages 18+ with ID. 305-358-3600; myspace.com/exnorwegian

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More About

• Roger Houdaille
• Carolina Souto
• Arturo Garcia

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Local band Ex-Norwegian's name doesn't make much sense — we're not talking about legitimate Scandinavian expatriates here, after all. But consider it an improvement over ringleader Roger Houdaille's former nom de plume, Father Bloopy. Fortunately, there's reason enough to forgive Houdaille for his unfortunate choice of monikers; it doesn't diminish his melodic prowess or his ability to initiate a rousing performance from his collaborators. Consequently, this new trio — Houdaille (vocals, guitar, Mellotron, synths), Carolina Souto (bass), and Arturo Garcia (drums, percussion, vocals) — makes its mark with a stirring debut, Standby, recently released on indie label Dying Van Gogh. The record is chock full of exuberant, exhilarating performances and a unerring pop sensibility that's both brash and irresistible.

In truth, Standby isn't so much a variation from Houdaille's Father Bloopy guise as it is a bold extension, given its more assertive stance and modern rock regimen. The staccato rhythms of "Fujeira in My Dreams," the unrelenting pace of "Pow3rfull," and the steady stomp and surge of "Dance Trance Pants" all testify to the band's revved-up delivery and sonic savvy. What's equally impressive is Ex-Norwegian's ability to flirt with a radio-ready stance, be it on the seemingly pop-perfect "Sad Wonder," the buoyant "Fresh Pit," or the percolating "Add Vice," which, coincidentally or not, retraces the sound of the soul classic "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." With those kinds of credentials, Standby can be recommended without reservation.