Ex Norwegian

“Standby”

Dying Van Gogh Records

http://www.exnorwegian.com/

Ex Norwegian frontman Roger Houdaille is a bit goofy when it comes to naming his musical projects. His current act gets its name from an obscure Monty Python reference, which is strange enough. But it’s actually an improvement on the group’s former moniker, “Father Bloopy.”

Some of the track names on Ex Norwegian’s debut album, “Standby,” are pretty silly, too (see “Dance Trance Pants”). The album doesn’t try to wow anyone with its musical ingenuity. Instead, Ex Norwegian stands out because of its ability to combine different influences and create catchy power-pop melodies.

Most of the guitar hooks, base lines, and percussion beats on the album have been done before. It shifts from Weezer-like power-pop guitar solos to infectious acoustic guitar and vocal melodies that mirror The Shins. Some of the lyrical content and phrasing on “Standby” even sounds similar to Athens’ Of Montreal. But, at the same time, most of “Standby” sounds very commercial and accessible, like it could get airtime on any modern rock or alternative station.

Ultimately, Standby won’t earn you any indie “trendy hipster” points like a Decemberists or a Wilco CD will. But it is a catchy, radio-friendly record that will probably stay stuck in your car’s CD player for a good part of the summer.