Eleven years ago, Sonic Youth lingered around their squat in NYC and learned a few tricks. Seventeen years ago, THE EX formed from the ashes of Holland's fleeing '77 punk rock scene. Heavily involved in the Dutch squatters movement, the band's intelligence and articulation led them to the forefront of the fringe political enviroment of the time. The eighties saw THE EX release a stark and beautiful run of albums built around their rhythmic guitar chug and well thought out energized anger.
In Holland, THE EX are legends and have influenced a whole generation of Dutch musicians. They are also well known throughout Europe as they have toured every corner of the continent, out-drawing even the most hip of British groups. THE EX are name dropped by some of the most influential voices in the biz, Steve Albini, Fugazi and Sonic Youth; and in short are one of the most respected European bands.
Moving far beyond the confines of rock that already exist, THE EX ve coveted samples of folk, jazz and rock to forge a new European punk underground which possesses a concise eloquence and uniquely spirited energy.
By refusing to play the music industry game and remaining completely self sufficient, THE EX break all the traditional rock rules and are true survivors in the massive world that exists beyond the narrow confines of the self centered Brit-pop beast. Not to be confused with a dog on a string crusty lore or to be mercilessly cast aside by mere trend junkies, THE EX are a powerful musical force existing on their own terms. Live, they are a glorious rush of energy, enthusiasm, humour, excitement, and simply, a roller coaster of good will.
THE EX have recorded and toured with TOM CORA, the NYC-based avant garde
artist. He is one of the most interesting modern cello-players of the
typical New York scene. He worked a.o. with Eugene Chadbourne, John Zorn,
Bill Laswell and Don Cherry, but is especially known from Skeleton Crew,
the group he formed with Fred Frith. At the moment her plays in Curlew,
Nimal and Third Person. Next to that he plays solo-concerts and writes
film music. He has played over a thousand concerts all over the world.