Father Bloopy is Now Known as Ex-Norwegian -- and Big Star-Lovers Should Take Note

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via www.myspace.com/exnorwegian

Look, the band members have last names like Garcia, and there's nothing even particularly Scandinavian-sounding about this homegrown trio. Formerly known by the definitely worse name of Father Bloopy, luckily, the band refreshingly mines musical territory often forgotten in these parts -- classic guitar power-pop of yesteryear. And filling this musical void has ensured that the band's short existence has been pretty damn stellar -- it regrouped as Ex-Norwegian just this past summer, and a few months later played to enthusiastic crowds at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York. Thanks to initial tracks' reception on YouTube and the like, a debut full-length album, Standby, is due out in March.

Possibly the only young, attractive local band to cite Badfinger as an influence, Ex-Norwegian has absorbed that group's (and Big Star's, and the Raspberries') penchant for wistful, sliding melodies over a pleasantly, slightly dirty guitar chug. Still, the songs have enough of a new-indie polish to keep the less music-history-educated kids happy, too. Alex Chilton would be proud.

Ex-Norwegian, with Jacobs Ladder, Zen the Band, And Then There Was You, and others. Friday, February 27. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in advance from www.myspace.com/exnorwegian, $10 at the door. Ages 18+ with ID. 305-757-1807; www.churchillspub.com