We've written about Ex-Norwegian a lot lately, so suffice it to say we like their updated version of classic power-pop a la Big Star and company. The Jean Marie, too, remains a local favorite, for good reason. Although they describe themselves on their MySpace page as "garage/rock/soul," live I've thought that often translates into a falling-apart punky funk. Talking Heads fans will be pleased.

Those two bands alone are a good enough reason to check out a low-key gig tomorrow night at Churchill's, but the surprise treat if you go is an up-and-coming band from Nashville called Mother Father.

Sounding miles and eons away from the rootsy sounds that usually come

from their hometown, this quartet instead nurses a serious Anglophilia.

Its sound is a smorgasbord of much that is angular and 1980s Brit.

There are some of Depeche Mode's synth stabs, and a lot of Echo and the

Bunnymen's introspective, sweeping choruses. The production is nice and

atmospheric, too.

The foursome is currently on a national tour that is taking them to

venues like the Annex in NYC, so soon, "tastemakers" will probably be

all over the band. Catch them now in an intimate setting.

Thursday, May 21. Ex Norwegian, the Jean Marie, Francis 7, and Mother Father. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. Doors open at 8 p.m. Ages 18+ with ID. 305-757-1807; churchillspub.com