Tag: Ex-Norwegian

Ex-Norwegian and Alphanaut

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Ex-Norwegian “Pure Gold”

Roger Houdaille is a genuine pop savant, and after a near death experience, he took to the studio with his band Ex-Norwegian to work on his 6th album. Classic influences are all here; the Beatles, the Kinks, Bowie and the Move. Notable guest stars are Fernando Perdomo on slide guitar and Chris Price on organ. What you end up with is pure rock and roll bliss.

“It’s A Game” has those beats, but also got strong melodies and the guitars are everywhere. And the follow-up “Asking Too Much” has thick glam riffs across a chorus of Roger and Michelle Grand’s vocals. “Beeside” is another gem with slower droning rhythm and the frantic chords and beat of “On The Sidelines” is a little Ramones and Blondie combined. Each track carries a stylistic shift, “Keep Under Cover” is brilliant lyrical twist which asks “What good is art when it hurts your head?” It stays unpredictable throughout, and each track is compelling. This is the best Ex-Norwegian album in a while and earns a spot on my top ten list this year. Yes it’s “Pure Gold,” Roger!

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Alphanaut

Alphanaut “Meanwhile Back on Earth”

Alphanaut was conceived as a musical collective by Los Angeles-based songwriter Mark Alan, coordinating the talents of a wide variety of musician friends and acquaintances. Like a cross between OMD, David Bowie, and modern electro pop, the opener “Think Too Much” has a great hook in the chorus.

If you’d like a slow disco groove “Electricity” plays a lot like George Michael without the crooning. Lots of nice retro synth experimentation here (not something I normally listen to) but “Is This My Country?” is a standout. Similar to The Art of Noise, its subtle and keeps you hooked. Also recommended are “The Catalyst” and “Father’s Day.”

Amazon

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos and Ex Norwegian

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Jeremy Porter & The Tucos “Partners In Crime”
 Michigan’s Jeremy Porter is no stranger to power pop, alt. rock and country. He’s gained his chops in many bands, but with his buddies Jason Bowes (bass) and Gabriel Doman (drums) they are a tight energetic trio.

Starting with “Castaways,” its a catchy 3 minute rock song very similar style to The DB’s or REM brand of power pop. “Little Miss Awesome” is a slicker, 80’s styled tune that showcases Porter’s guitar riffs between each chorus. The country jangle comes out on “Wedding Day” and “Still Waiting Here.” And the band sounds like its having a great time on the bouncy “Pizza Girl” and the twisting lyrics of “What You’re Doing Today.” Each song is interesting (no filler here) and its played just right. Highly recommended.

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Ex Norwegian “Crack”
Roger Houdaille’s continues to take Ex-Norwegian in bold directions, but always keeping those hooks in mind. “Your Own Swing” is a pretty basic sing-along that warms you up, but he throws a perfect curve with “Bibi Kan Werk It” which is part Weezer and part Beach Boys including a terrific melodic chorus.

“Aventura” has a bit more glam guitar, and the hook on “I’m A Fighter, Not A Lover” is even better with Michelle “Big Meech” Grand leading the vocals here. Then Roger struts in full Ziggy Stardust mode on “Full Time Lover.” With the unique harmony of Roger, Michelle and Giuseppe Rodriguez, the band is morphing into the America’s version of The Wellingtons. No real filler here, each tune has a strong beat and tries to experiment with unique sounds  and like all great power pop this Crack can be just as addictive.

Ex-Norwegian and Charlie Maxton

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Ex-Norwegian “House Music”
After the “Sketch” LP last year, the band personnel changed leaving leader Roger Houdaille to take the music in a new direction and give us a FREE digital follow-up. It’s less ambiguous, with a tight melodic focus. “Ginger, baby” is a sweet Kinks meets Dandy Warhols song that really rocks. The energy of “Original Copy” and “Not A Mouse” both have touch of grooviness (thanks to Fernando Perdomo).

The album is also more consistent than past efforts, as “Initiative Rock” has some great minor chord shifts. You’ll hear a little Marc Bolan in “Spin Win It” and then soothing harmonies on the California styled “Rearrange It.” Overall a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements. Highly recommended, and after all it’s “name-your-own-price” on Bandcamp, so what’s not to like?

Charlie Maxton “Teletype” 
Maxton is a Portland based musician, his buddy John Amadon helps out on this solo LP. “While I Was Away” has a cool Nirvana-like riff, but the melody doesn’t seem to get off the ground. The punkier “Go You One Better” also didn’t sit well either, and thankfully the remaining tracks lean more alt. folk pop. “Deep Water” is a great tune that has a Neil Young meets America tone.

Another standout, “Bullseye Girl” has an REM vibe, with a great lyrical chorus and “Sandy James” is another effective character portrait. The further along the stronger the album gets, my favorite is the cynical “Millionaire” that rails against major label celebrities, “No one wants to hear the music of a millionaire… get in and make a killing while you can.” An effective debut.