PureVolume

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 the band cites the Kinks, Lou Reed and Talking Heads as influences, they remain a breath of fresh air with lyrics that possess subtle, edgy cynicism. Add to that the use of the all-powerful, scarily omnivorous mellotron, and you’ve got plenty of irresistible grooves and melodies.

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.