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Hard rockers 5Ex stand out in local music scene
 Media Credit: Christine Johnson/Editor 5Ex band members Ben Sorenson and Matt �Louie� Latterell perform Friday at Java Joint.
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For their fourth appearance at downtown St. Cloud's Java Joint, local hard-rock band 5Ex had fans awaiting anxiously.
"They're really digging (5Ex)," said Java Joint employee Alyssa Fuchs.
The band comprises five guys: Grant Jacquemart on lead guitar, Ben Sorenson on lead vocals, Matt Latterell (otherwise known as Louie) on guitar and vocals, Phil Popp on bass and Brian Barthel on drums.
The guys have been together a short time � since the summer of 2000 � and have been successful in the local scene ever since.
They're set to have their first full-length album out soon. Thus far, though, the date is undetermined, but it is expected to be 10 songs of all the hard rock that their fans enjoy.
In addition to recording, the guys in 5Ex have been busy playing concert dates. Playing mostly at the Java Joint and The Garage, a music house in Burnsville, the guys play with all different kinds of bands, including Universal Recovered, a Texas-based group who've played with artists such as At the Drive-In, Zeke and the Murder City Devils.
5Ex describe themselves as having been influenced by a variety of rock bands, including Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Nirvana and various punk groups such as NOFX.
Jacquemart and Latterell wanted to record the music they were writing. Soon after, Popp and Sorenson joined the band. Then finally, after months of searching for a drummer, Barthel joined the band.
After that, the band started with demo tapes, and went around to various venues to see who would book them for shows. They play The Garage quite a bit, who describe themselves as a "teen music and program venue" that "offer(s) entertainment and support for youth south of the river and throughout the metro."
Another reason fans might dig 5Ex is for their sense of humor. With a misleading name to look like the word sex, they also have various inserts of humor throughout their Web site, www.cyber5ex.com, which has been up-and-running for about a month now.
Yet they are serious about their career in music. They celebrated the anniversary of their first show in February. They will make a reappearance at the Java Joint March 30 with Simplicia and will be at The Garage April 19.
Brian Imholt hasn't known the band very long, but has a positive outlook as far as their success goes.
"They're an up-and-coming band and I hope they do well," Imholt said.
Britt Johnsen can be reached at: [email protected]
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