MP3: "Turn Left" by Ex Norwegian, Sophomore CD Release Party at Sweat Records This Saturday

For the past two years, Ex Norwegian has quietly been gaining national traction on the strength of some classic guitar-driven power pop that sounds as though it came from anywhere but here. Anyone still mourning the late, great Alex Chilton can take some comfort in knowing some of his musical...

By Arielle Castillo

June 14, 2010

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For the past two years, Ex Norwegian has quietly been gaining national traction on the strength of some classic guitar-driven power pop that sounds as though it came from anywhere but here. Anyone still mourning the late, great Alex Chilton can take some comfort in knowing some of his musical spirit lives on in Ex Norwegian's slightly bittersweet, lovelorn, hooky concoctions. The trio's particular skill lies in rediscovering the effectiveness of the old verse-chorus-verse, and dosing them economically with catchy riffage.

In some other era, this would be seriously radio-ready stuff, but these days, the band's lack of studio flash and frills makes it sound retro. That same lack of pretense leaves Ex Norwegian a bit overlooked by the city's hipsterati, but the band's new album, Sketch, should hopefully change that. The threesome celebrates it with a free in-store at Sweat Records this Saturday. The disc technically comes out on June 22, but you can score a copy at the show.

After the jump, get full show details and a free MP3 of the band's song "Turn Left."

Ex Norwegian CD Release Show. With Sirens & Sealions and Danielle Steele. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Sweat Records, 5505 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. Admission is free; all ages; 786-693-9309; sweatrecordsmiami.com

Download: Ex Norwegian - "Turn Left"

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