For those who missed out on the opportunity to purchase the vinyl versions of these singles, or were not around for the '80s, this is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of The Ex. One of the most enduring and unique bands of any time period, The Ex has truly remained steadfast and true to their original message while creating innovative DIY packaging, production, and releases within the music industry.
Starting out as an anarcho-punk band from Amsterdam and Wormer, The Ex has developed over the years into a melting pot of divergent musical styles, interweaving noise, folk, jazz and ethnic music, under one unique umbrella: Ex-music. Other features are the discordant, highly rhythmic guitar work, the rolling almost African drumming style and the furious way in which Sok delivers his often sarcastic lyrics. In the first few years The Ex denounce political and social evils in their typical black and white manner, and its members, active in the squat movement, come across as genuinely driven and committed individuals. They set a significant example for the alternative music circuit by the manner in which their records, accompanied by posters, booklets and other relevant readings, are released and distributed by the group itself.
As their career evolved so did the style they played, often spending huge amounts of time collaborating with the brilliant (and, tragically, dead) Tom Cora, allowing them to be heard by an even wider audience than the avant-garde underground.
On September 5, 2005, the band released The Ex: Singles. Period.Finally available, all the songs from The Ex's old vinyl singles made between 1980 and 1990. Most of those singles were released only in Holland, and all of them have been unavailable for entirely too long. Back in the 1980s, The Ex regularly released 7'' singles on vinyl, a format wonderfully suited for hit-and-run releases and small collaboration projects, reflecting the times in which The Ex were living. Most of these were never even shipped stateside and are highly sought after by long time fans; the only thing not included with this release are the six singles from 1991, which will be included in a re-issue slated for a later date which will also cover 91-present day.
BinkyMcQueen
Philadelphia, PA
December 2002
SEP 16, 2005 01:03 PM