The Ex is an underground band from the Netherlands, started in 1979 at the height of the original punk explosion as a Dutch punk band. The Ex originated from the squatting movement in Amsterdam and Wormer, and was inspired by bands like The Fall and The Mekons. Although initially known as an anarcho-punk band associated with the Dutch post-punk ultra scene, over the decades The Ex's sound has gradually developed into its current form of highly intricate, experimental punk/post-punk/no wave-inspired work. This sound includes a combination of diverse genres and styles, such as noise, folk, world music (including folk music from Hungary, Turkey, Ethiopia, Congo, and Eritrea), free jazz, and crossovers between these genres. Other examples of branching out stylistically include the improvised double album Instant and a release under the moniker Ex Orkest, a 20 piece big band assembled for performances at Holland Festival. "One reason we are hard to describe is that we never had an education at music school, and in that sense we are not influenced by any traditional playing," explained Katherina Bornefeld, drummer for The Ex since 1984. The Ex's lyrics consist of straightforward statements about politics and abuses in society. The band enjoys international acclaim for this socially critical message, as well as for the energetic, rhythmic, atonal guitar playing, and for the furious vocals of singer G.W. Sok, who was replaced in recent years by Arnold de Boer of the duo Zea. The Ex have released over 20 full-length albums.
History
The 1980s
In 1979, The Ex was founded by singer Jos Kley (better known as G.W. Sok), guitarist Terrie Hessels, drummer Geurt, and bassist René. During the first six months that The Ex existed, they spent most of their time and effort on graffiti advertising. The band's name was chosen because it was the shortest name on their list, and that made it easy to spray quickly on a wall. Rumors circulated that the choice of what instruments the band members played was drawn by straws.
The band debuted with a song titled "Stupid Americans" on the Utreg-Punx vinyl 7" compilation released by Rock Against records in Rotterdam. In June 1980, The Ex released their first EP, All Corpses Smell the Same. The most striking features of the music are the strongly rhythmic guitar attacks and the dogged way in which Sok spit the words into the microphone. The lyrics deal with politics, squatting, and social injustice. The band's first full-length album, Disturbing Domestic Peace, was released later the same year. Shortly after these recording were released, Geurt left the band and was replaced by Willem from the Rondos. René left the band and was replaced by Bas on the bass.
In 1982, The Ex released their second album, History is What's Happening; this album is seen as a musical evolution. Many of the songs were created during live performances. Two tracks from The Ex were included on the compilation album Oorwormer. In 1982, Willem left the band and was replaced by Sabien on the drums.
In April 1983, The Ex released their second album, Tumult, produced by Jon Langford of the Mekons. A few months later, their 12 inch Gonna Rob The Spermbank was also released; this record contained four songs that were also recorded during the recording session of Tumult. In 1983, The Ex also released the album Dignity Of Labor, which appeared as a box containing four 7" singles and a book. The singles each contained eight untitled tracks that deal with the demise of the Wormer-based Van Gelder paper factory. Bas left the band and was replaced by the new bassists Luc and Joke. In the fall of 1983, The Ex did their first tour of England. A product of this tour is the split 12" The Red Dance Package that The Ex released in collaboration with the band Alerta.
During this period, The Ex consisted of five band members: G.W. Sok, Terrie (guitar), Sabien (drums), :nl:Luc Ex(bass), and Joke (bass). Band members did not use surnames, often adopting "Ex" as their last name. This line-up released the double album Blueprints For A Blackout in March 1984. This album included more improvisation, and new musical instruments were used, including violin, oboe, marimba, and oil barrels. Later the same year the band changed drummers: Sabien was replaced by Kat on drums. Throughout the year, The Ex organized a benefit tour in the Netherlands together with Morzelpronk, Zowiso, and agitprop poet Nico van Apeldoorn. The Ex also toured Switzerland together with the Dutch punk band Svätsox.