It seems like a lifetime ago since Ex Norwegian's debut album came out. That seems strange for someone who can't believe its over 43 years since the UK New Wave gripped me and forever established my love of Guitar Pop. You would think 13 years is like yesterday.
But Ex Norwegian seem to have been with me forever and I never ever get tired of them. Every album is a joy and each adds something to their canon underlining, their pop sensibility and yet stepping in unexpected directions.
We all get frustrated that our favourite bands don't get the attention they deserve. This is especially true of Ex Norwegian. They have a large following on Facebook and admiring DJ's who work for proper established non-internet Radio Stations, yet they rarely hit the radar of music fans that should love them.
This is especially true in the UK and Europe, areas and countries should naturally devour them. I've asked why and had a variety of nonsense. Oh I don't like European Bands (they are American), I don't like bands fronted by Girl Singers (Why??? and most of the songs are sung by Roger Houdaille) and I heard that they were Psychedelic Rock (Psych Pop at times but generally more Indie Pop Rock).
You'll notice that most of these remarks are assumptions, if only people would listen to this album and realise what a fine inventive poptastic affair that they are. Standby is as fine a debut album as any and amazingly the band just got better and better and still do.
So Standby has been lovingly remastered and released with six bonus tracks. What's more there is a CD Version that adds another 18 tracks of Demos and Mixes. The CD Package is the essential version as it is a beautiful package with a 12 page booklet including notes from Roger.
The album also appears on Vinyl for the first time, so all bases are covered. If you've never heard Something Real you are in for an absolute treat, as Houdaille writes a perfect pop song and goes all Ray Davies on the vocal.
Fujeira In My Dreams is all Brit Pop, Pow3rfull is Garage Rock, Sudeki Lover is wonderful atmospheric Psych Pop. Dance Trance Pants goes all funky Disco and Don't Bother is a great 90s College Rock Anthem affair.
Yes I am a fan, but they are one of few bands that have stayed with me from their beginning. I don't want them to be people's little secret, I want them to be massive. This is as good a place to start the revolution. Inventive, melodic and worth the attention!
You can listen to the album and buy it in all formats here.
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