The Ex
The adventurous, innovative Dutch band The Ex exists 45 years this year and is still going strong. New projects, new songs and new adventures. The Ex have defied categorisation ever since they started playing in 1979. Born out of the punk explosion, when anything and everything was possible, the band have still managed to retain both curiosity and passion for their music. Using guitars, bass, drums and voice as their starting point, The Ex have continued to musically explore undiscovered areas right up to the present day.
Y’Anbessaw Tezeta
“The sound is full, warm, accessible and guaranteed to suck you in and keep you captivated till the last note has died out.” -Stef, Free Jazz Blog
—
Recorded December 6/7 2011, February 24/28 2012, April 5/23 2012 in Jottum, Wormerveer, Holland, and May 3 2012 in Fendika, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.
Engineer Jottem: Maarten Tap. Co-engineered: Andy + Arnold. Engineer Addis: Arnold. Mixed by Arnold + Andy at Andy’s home and in Jottum. Mastered by Frank van der Weij.
Artwork: Emma Fischer. Photos by Matias Corral, Emma Fischer, Andy Moor, Pavel Stráẑay, Nanni Angeli, Barbora Fabianova, Christina Halstrom, Nick Helderman, Leul Mekonnen, Paul Till. The Getatchew archival photos come from his own private photo-albums.
Produced by The Ex.
credits
released January 19, 2017
Tracks 1-10:
Getatchew Mekuria – tenor saxophone
Arnold de Boer – trumpet
Terrie Hessels – guitar
Andy Moor – guitar
Katherina Bornefeld – drums
Xavier Charles – clarinet
Ken Vandermark – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Brodie West – alto saxophone
Joost Buis – trombone
Wolter Wierbos – trombone
Colin McLean – bass
Tracks 11-20
Getachew Mekuria & the ICP Orchestra, Haile Selassie 1 Theatre Orchestra and live with the Ex
Turn
‘‘Turn could easily be the strongest album of the year… The message on Turn is loud (ear bleedingly loud) and clear. From the first minute, main vocalist GW Sok shouts about how the need for artists, scientists, and humanitarians is much more important than weapons of mass destruction and wars. (And I’m pretty sure that “The shrub who took himself for a park” is most likely mister “Bush” who mistakenly thinks he represents the world.) Each song is executed with a relentless pounding of guitars and drums and the messages are stories and reflections about greed and consumption, unrest, and even the Pie-in-the-face gang. It’s a clear example that music which calls for social awareness and/or change is much more effective when made with such an unavoidable vigor and not by some timid hippie with acoustic guitar. The angular guitars, in-your-face drums, rock cello, and punk vocals are flawless, like a well-slicked machine, perfected through numerous live performances. After a surprising 25 years of existence, The Ex have no signs of becoming stale, tame, or rusty; challenging themselves to bring completely new ideas into the mix.’’
Jon Whitney – The Brainwashed Brain.
‘‘There is an intangible quality that defines truly vital music, something that spans genres and trends and makes itself felt as the sound passes through you. It could be a perfect confluence of notes and timbres or a brilliantly conveyed sentiment, but it could also really be anything. It’s not one of those things you can put into effective words – you just know it when you hear it. And to me, The Ex make vital music. For 25 years, the Dutch band have nipped at the fringe of post-punk, steering stridently clear of corporate-owned record labels and lighting up the left side of the political spectrum with more than a dozen albums proudly splattered with anarcho-syndicalist and anti-consumerist sentiment. But they’re not just shouting about trade unionism, materialist greed, and the inherent contradictions of modern free-market societies; they can bring the noise, too, and their polemics come wrapped in a blistering package of smoldering art-punk informed by free jazz and global folk. On their latest album, Turn, they elevate their craft to near perfection over the course of two wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable discs… What’s truly amazing about Turn is how colossal, how ingenious, how vital it sounds. Just about any of the current post-punk crop sound downright milquetoast when put up against The Ex’s vibrant assault and well-considered commentary. On “Listen to the Painters”, The Ex remind us of the need for poets and painters and builders and dancers and writers – by the end of the album, it’s clear we need The Ex, too.’’
Joe Tangari – Pitchfork.
—
Katrin (drums, vocals), Terrie (guitar), Andy (guitar), Rozemarie (acoustic bass, vocals), G.W. Sok (vocals).
Recorded by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio Studios, Chicago, USA. Mixed by Mikel Le Roy and The Ex at Studio Le Roy, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Tumult
Tumult remains a high-water point of early Ex, serving as both developmental guide and way-station. The next 18 months would see the departure of Bas and Witteman and the arrival of long-serving bassist Luc Klaasen and drummer Kat Bornefeld (whose supple rhythms propel the group to this day). The album stands as one of the most compelling and unique documents of early ’80s DIY exploration. If Mark E. Smith had only one favorite Dutch punk band, then it would undoubtedly be The Ex.
—
Bass – Bas
Drums – Sabien
Guitar – Terrie
Recorded By – Dolf Anonymousfortaxreasons, Jon Langford
Voice – Cobie, GW Sok
Too Many Cowboys
“The Ex create music that’s abrasive, driving and challenging, much of it recorded live, shards of guitar, bass and drums coalescing like jagged pieces of a puzzle, pumped up by influences that introduce the post-punk jar of Gang of Four, The Fall and Sonic Youth, and the spirit and experimentation of Crass, albeit more accessible. Intelligent, intriguing and well-executed.”
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Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), John (vocals), Luc (bass), Katrin (drums).
Recorded by Dolf (between October 16 and 26, 1986), in ‘t Paard – Den Haag, Vrije Vloer – Utrecht, Debarak – Zutphen, De Ark – Anna Paulowna, and Emma’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf – Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Originally released as a vinyl double-album in 1987 by Ex Records (EX 031/032). One track, “Pigjump”, from the original vinyl release is not on the CD.
Starters Alternators
“The band’s debut release on Touch And Go. This is is a wonderful record for adventurous listeners. Let The Ex jump start your weary ears.”
“Since The Ex started in 1979, they’ve lost none of the biting edge or cutting satire that is their trademark… Giddy, near-chaotic, and very fine, indeed.”
“The Ex frame provocative, passionately declaimed lyrics with lacerating, choppy guitar riffs and stark drum patterns. Albini’s recording captures the latter with raw, unfiltered clarity. This is The Ex’s most unified and coherent record in years, and an excellent introduction to their singular and uncompromising sound.”
“Ask any arbiter of indie cool to name the best bands ever, and provided they’re within spitting distance of 30, The Ex is likely to get name-checked… Steve Albini’s organic production is the perfect match for The Ex’s percussive attack, providing an in-your-face approximation of the band’s live furor.”
“The Ex have remained Amsterdam’s best kept secret for a decade, despite a plethora of LPs, all with great lyrics… like its predecessors, it’s a throat-grabbing, post-punk smacker that also lets in the more hushed, unsettling underbelly of the genre. Whether the band is more restrained, or full-throttle, these Dutchmen remain wired, compelling, and thoughtfully raw… Starters Alternators is a powerful earful of insurgency.”
—
Katrin (drums, vocals)
Terrie (guitar)
Andy (guitar)
Luc (bass)
G.W. Sok (vocals).
Recorded at Electrical Audio Studio, Chicago, USA. Produced by Steve Albini.
Singles. Period.
As important as politics are to the story of the Ex, though, there’s an impressive musical progression on the disc as well. The early songs are brittle, nominally funky punk tunes with the occasional lead guitar phrase and arid production. -Joe Tangari, Pitchfork
—
The vinyl years 1980-1990.
All Corpses Smell The Same (7″, He Records, 1980) EX 001
Utregpunx (compilation 7″, Rock Against Records, 1980) Z 2
New Horizons in Retailing (7″ flexi, Ping Pong Records, 1980) w/ Raket fanzine
Weapons For El Salvador (7″, f 3,50 Records, 1981) EX 006 w/ Gramschap
Villa Zuid Moet Blijven (split 7″ flexi, 1981)
Gonna Rob The Spermbank (12″, Sneeelleeer Records, 1983), EX 015
The Red Dance Package (split 12″, CNT Productions, 1983) CNT 017
Awara / The Ex (split 7″, Gramschap, 1984), DEI 975-EX 21 w/ Gramschap magazine
Rara Rap (7″, Lala Records, 1988), WAWA 01
Stonestampers / Steinklopfer (7″, Ex Records, 1990), EX 043
Mekons / The Ex (split 7″, Clawfist, 1990), CF 4
—
Terrie – guitar (1-21, 23), acoustic guitar (22)
G.W. Sok – voice (1-21, 23), backing-vocals (22)
Ome Geurt – drums (1-7)
René – bass (1-7)
Wim – drums (8-11)
Bas – bass (8-15)
Sabien – drums (12-18)
Yoke – bass (16-18)
Luc – bass (16-21, 23), double-bass (22)
Nicolette – guitar (19)
Katherina – drums (19-21, 23), vocals (22)
Andy – guitar (23)
Guests…
Gert-Jan Blom – organ (4)
Coby Laan – tiny grand piano (12)
Jon Langford – drums (12-13)
Ferry Heyne – guitar (13)
Dolf Planteijdt – heavy mental guitar (16)
? of Awara – violin (18)
Jeroen – samples (19)
Marion, Andy, Wilf, Colin + Martin from Dog Faced Hermans – trumpet, acoustic guitar, rattle, woodblock, mandolin, backing-vocals (23)
All words & music by The Ex, except:
words 13 (traditional), 19 (public domain), 20 (Adolf Wolff), 21/22 (Kurt Tucholsky); words & music 23 (Mekons)
Tracks 1-4 recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Tracks 5-7 recorded at Raketbasis, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Wim ter Weele.
Tracks 8-10 recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Track 11 recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Tracks 12-15 recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt + Jon Langford.
Tracks 16-17 recorded at KG Music Studios, Bridlington, England. Produced by Jon Langford + Dolf Planteijdt.
Track 18 recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt
Track 19 recorded at Sweelinck Conservatorium, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Jeroen Visser.
Track 20 recorded at practice-room ADM, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Jeroen Visser
Track 21 recorded at KGM Studio, Wakefield, England. Produced by Jon Langford.
Track 22 recorded at ADM’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Beat Cornaz.
Track 23 recorded at ADM’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt
Scrabbling At The Lock
“Judging from this album, it was a stroke of genius to match Tom Cora’s earthy, aggressive cello with the bludgeoning force of The Ex at full throttle.”
“You’re thinking of The Ex and “the right to piss and shit in different colours”… Their music is dense and down-the-line, distantly allusive, subtle, grainy, open, full and proudly, alertly dissident.”
“An intensely moving soundtrack for our times. “Scrabbling” has blood, sweat, tears and the sweetest sounding cello money can buy.”
—
Released January 1, 1991
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Andy (guitar), Katrin (drums, vocals), Tom Cora (cello).
Recorded at ADM’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Produced by Dolf Planteijdt
Pokkeherrie
“The Ex, with ‘Pokkeherrie’ have produced a masterful killer weapon of raw power that rattles up the spine into numbed pink brain cells and fills the vacuum with social issue.”
“They’ve done it again. While they maintain melody, dissonance, moodiness, and a hard edge, they continue to grow and encompass many styles. Their integrity is rock hard and dependable.”
“Subtleties, intricacies, complexities, repetitions, basic noise.”
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Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Katrin (drums).
Recorded at Emma’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Mudbird Shivers
“The Ex is still growing, maturing, learning and blowing most other bands off the stage. They have a devastating sense of rhythm and a far-reaching lyrical intelligence.”
“Their most urgent, powerful and exciting release to date. Staggeringly beautiful.”
“This time they pull up their wall of sound out of pieces of rock, folk and jazz… The Ex got the blues.”
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Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Andy (guitar, viola), Katrin (drums), Han Buhrs (vocals, saxophone, mouth-harp, panlids, grater).
Recorded at the Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt + Colin McLean.
All words and music by The Ex, except: House Carpenter (1930, trad. /Clarence Ashley)
Front photo: Ed van der Elsken
Moa Anbessa
Getatchew Mekuria – Saxophone
Katherina – Drums
Terrie – Guitar
Andy – Guitar
G.W.Sok – Vocals
Colin McLean – Bass
Xavier Charles – Clarinet
Brodie West – Alto Saxophone
Joost Buis – Trombone
Cor Fuhler – Organ (6,9,10)
Recorded April 3-4, 2006 at Jottem, Wormerveer, Holland, by Jeroen ‘Ato Asa’ Visser & Dolf Planteijd. Engineer: Maarten Tap.
Mixed & mastered by Jeroen Visser & The Ex at Fishing Bakery Labs in Zurich, Switzerland.
Tracks 3, 5, 6, 8, and 11 recorded live April 8, 2006 in the Grand Mix, Tourcoing, France, by Jeroen Visser.
All melodies by Getatchew Mekuria based on traditional tunes. All arrangements by Getatchew Mekuria & The Ex & Guests. English lyrics by The Ex.
- Based on a song by Frew Hailu.
- Based on a song known from Tilahoun Gessesse, written by Gezahegn Desta.
- Based on a Sudanese traditional song.
- Based on a traditional horseman’s war-chant.
- Based on a traditional song from Gondar.
- Aynotche Terabu based on a traditional tune by Nuru Wondafrash of the Imperial Bodyguard Band. Shemonmwanaye is a traditional song from Wollo.
- Based on a piece by the Wallias band, written by Girma Beyene.
- Based on a traditional Ethiopian scale, the ultimate blues.
- Based on a traditional folksong about Harar.
- Based on a song by Tilahoun Gessesse, written by the Police and Ayalew Mesfin.
Lale Guma / Addis Hum
This 7” single release is a musical cooperation between The Ex and the Ethiopian acoustic band Fendika. The Ex has a long history with Ethiopian music and has worked together with Fendika for 6 years on many European and American festivals and also in Ethiopia. Slowly they’ve grown closer and the result is stunnning: the typical Ex rhythms and riffs, combined with traditional instruments (one string masinko, kobero drums) and the great voice of singer Nardos.
“Addis Hum” is based on “Gue”, a traditional Ethiopian Gurage song.
“Lale Guma” is a song by Ayalew Mesfin and the Fetan Band. “Shellelle” is a traditional war cry. Both are chants which narrate the battles and account for the heroes, sung to boost confidence and inspiration.
—
Ex Records, 2015.
Terrie Hessels – guitar
Andy Moor – guitar, baritone guitar
Katherina Bornefeld – drums, vocals
Arnold de Boer – guitar, vocals
Endris Hassen – masinko
Misale Legesse – kobero
Nardos Terfaw – vocals
Melaku Belay – dance
Zenash Tsegaye – dance
Recorded at the Next To Jaap Studio, Voorhout (NL) by Corno Zwetsloot and Gavin McDowall on June 16, 2014.
Mixed at the Next To Jaap Studio, Voorhout (NL) by Corno Zwetsloot and The Ex on September 18, 19 and 23, 2014.
Mastered at home by Arnold and Andy on February 5, 2015.
Cover design: Emma Fischer
Photos: Matias Corral
Label photos: Andy
Joggers & Smoggers
‘‘This record is a joyful testimony to music’s continuing ability to communicate ideas. They have opened up their frenetic grind to encompass 1,000 different rhythms. They’re caught up in something unique.’’
—
The Ex:
– Terrie (guitar)
– G.W. Sok (vocals)
– Luc (bass)
– Katrin (drums, vocals)
Additional instruments: grill, birdcage, double-bass, fire extinguisher + hammer, bamboos, piano, electric razor, dobro, spoons, human beatbox, wire, glass, castanets, bow, cracklebox, cowbells, cabasa.
Guest musicians:
Wilf Plum (organ on track: 2; drums on tracks: 3, 21, 24; birdcage on track: 3; voice on track: 12; bodhrán on track: 23; kabassa on track: 26; bamboos on track: 27; spoons on track: 32; backing-vocals on track: 31)
Jeroen (birdcage on track: 3; voice on tracks: 12, 23; backing-vocals on track: 31; piano-sequencer on track: 12; “various soundscapes”)
Dolf (guitar on track: 2; acoustic guitar on track: 5; vocals on track: 24; “space-stations” on track: 26)
Ab Baars (saxophones on tracks: 14, 15, 18, 32, 34)
Bram (guitar on tracks: 10, 34)
Doan Gurkensalat (saz on track: 9)
Dorpsoudste de Jong (vocals on tracks: 1, 19)
Ferrie Meurkerrie (trumpets, trombones on track: 22)
Floris van Manen (“control-program” “orkaterdrum” on track: 20)
Gabi Kenderesi (voice, violin on track: 16)
Gerhard Bornefeld (piano on track: 33)
Harry Roberts (bamboos on track: 27; backing-vocals on track: 31)
Jeroen de Groot (bagpipes on tracks: 2, 7)
Lee Ranaldo (guitar on track: 8)
Lena (accordion, vocals on track: 20)
Nick Hobbs (vocals on track: 27; announcement on track: 25)
Thurston Moore (guitar on track: 11)
Thijs Vermeulen (bass on tracks: 6,17,21)
Wolter Wierbos (trombone on tracks: 14, 15, 18, 32)
Instant
The double CD features impro/-dubbed recordings by The Ex & Guests.
Disc 1
1. If The Hat Fits The Suit
(Kat, Michael, Ab)
2. Duo Rumpus
(Luc, Terrie)
3. Kloptimog Twist
(Terrie, Andy, Han Be, Luc)
4. Baars Vs. Karekiet
(Ab, Han Be)
5. Ken Lil Surf
(Kat, Luc, Andy, Wolter)
6. Duo Triptych Too
(Terrie, Ab)
7. Lip Up, Stump
(Luc, Michael, Wolter)
8. So Low, Solex?
(Luc)
9. Skoplje Bop
(Terrie, Andy, Lic, Han Be)
10. Buildance
(Andy, Kat)
11. Bratunac
(Han Bu, Tristan, Dolf)
12. Hersemeal
(Han Be)
13. Expoobident
(Han Be, Tristan)
14. Slow Sleeper
(Terrie, Andy Luc, Wolter)
15. Duo Loom
(Luc, Tristan)
16. Te-Au-O-Tonga
(Kat, Luc, Dolf)
Disc 2
1. Travel On, Poor Bob
(Andy, Han Bu, Han Be)
2. What Inflexibility?!
(Andy, Michael)
3. Bon-Go Tell You Git-La La
(Kat, Han Be)
4. Duo Variola
(Terrie, Tristan)
5. Meanwhile Back In Ozone Street
(Han Be)
6. Smuiger
(Andy, Terrie, Luc, Ab)
7. Rusticles
(Luc, Wolter, Michael, Han Be)
8. Atoll
(Andy, Ab)
9. Exile O’Phonics
(Terrie, Han Bu, Michael)
10. Danse Maudit
(Andy, Luc, Terrie)
11. Knit Knack & Zoom
(Andy, Terrie, Han Be)
12. Oh Muted Foghorn
(Terrie, Tristan, Michael)
13. Duo Tonebone & Hitgit
(Andy, Wolter)
14. The Turtle The Hare
(Kat, Han Be)
15. Karremans’ Last Measure
(Terrie, Han Bu, Andy, Kat, Wolter, Michael)
16. ThereWereSonicBangsInTheSongsISang, ThereWasNothingTicklingNoOne
(Terrie, Han Be)
credits
released December 11, 2017
“Two CDs worth of short, terrific small-ensemble improvisations. Lots of pleasant little surprises.”
“Practically without vocals The Ex travel through a dreamworld in which surprises surprise each other, and where new and thus far hidden worlds lay themselves open.””
“32 miniatures. Some are frankly fascinating, others by all means amazing. But it never gets dull or smooth.”
—
Ex Records, 1995.
Terrie (guitar), Luc (bass), Andy (guitar, viola), Katrin (drums), Han Buhrs (harmonica, guitar, toffee-tin bass), G.W. Sok (various), plus organ, accordion, samples + tape, djembé-springs, mbira, reed shakers, musical saw, acoustic guitar, double-bass, chairs.
Guest musicians – Ab Baars (saxophones, clarinet), Wolter Wierbos (trombone), Han Bennink (drums), Michael Vatcher (drums, percussion), Tristan Honsinger (cello), Dolf Planteijdt (acoustic guitar).
Recorded at the Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
If Your Mirror Breaks
“In true ‘Ex fashion’, If Your Mirror Breaks picks up where 27 Passports left off, and erupts like a musical short story collection, a ten-part series of surrealist daydreams, calls to action, ominous warnings and bursts of vitality tapped into the pulse of time. What time could be more appropriate to release this album in, as the current one? Arnold de Boer, Katherina Bornefeld, Andy Moor and Terrie Hessels once again impress with their trademark urgency and creativity.
Starting from a staccato Walt Whitman poem from 1861 and wrapping things up with the unstoppable, joyful thrust of “Great!”, the new album by The Ex is equal parts exploration and determination, with wistful shades accentuating their live wire intensity, unpredictability and sheer determination. Yes, there are moments of doubt and insecurity (“reality is shifting / there is no escape”), of distress (“I get desperate / I feel the wide washing of death”), but time and again, perseverance wins. As Bornefeld sings so aptly in her beautiful contribution “Wheel”: “New life force unfolds for those who flow / with the song of their souls.”
De Boer has a striking way with images. Walls speak, spiders write and turning into an apartment block becomes a life goal. Imagination and language become a refuge, but also weapons in times of loss and division. When you’re not afraid to question yourself and realise, in James Baldwin’s words, that “You could be that person / Be that monster, be that cop”, you might find a way out of it. It’s the way we interact that defines us. If Your Mirror Breaks is an album that brims with passion and commitment, with three guitars, voice and drums ready to revitalize, or overthrow, the old formulas. It is rugged and fierce, connecting the dots between the swaying waltz of “Circuit Breaker” and the overflowing lava energy of “In The Rain”. Steve Albini, whom the album is dedicated to, would have approved.
With music (and words) as committed, poetic, exciting and imaginative as this, The Ex has made one for the ages. A work that reflects the conflicting ideas and moods of its time, while pushing forward, convinced there’s always a more viable alternative around the corner. It’s a process that never loses its thrilling buzz.” – Guy Peters, Geraardsbergen, 2025.
—
–This ones for Steve–
Katherina Bornefeld – Drums, percussion, vocals
Arnold de Boer – Vocals, guitar
Andy Moor – Guitar
Terrie Hessels – Guitar
Recorded by Jan Schenk @ Schenkstudio, Amsterdam, Dec. 2, 3, 4, 2024 Mixed by The Ex @ Arnold’s Upstairs
Mastered by Bob Weston @ Chicago Mastering Service
Artwork & Lay-out: Emma Fischer
Cover painting: ‘Woeloem’ Hessels
Photos by Geert Vandepoele
Cut by Lex van Coeverden at The Vinyl Room
Pressed by Discomat bvba, Herk-de-Stad (B)
Thanks: Mila-merch & Luc-sound
How Thick You Think / That’s Not A Virus
“How Thick You Think” is inspired by the short film “Neighbours” (Norman McLaren, 1952). The story is a parable about two people who come to blows over the possession of a flower. The sentence I think food with music means peace comes from a painting by Lucebert.
“That’s Not A Virus” builds on a typical Ex beat: a melodic and unique rhythm, freshly pulled out of the Dutch clay, sounding as if it already exists for 2000 years. The lyrics work like a crack in the wall through which you look at the space between people; what people reveal of themselves, show to each other and the categorical insecurity that comes with it.
—
Ex Records, 2014
Arnold de Boer – guitar, vocals
Terrie Hessels – guitar
Andy Moor – guitar
Katherina Bornefeld – drums
Recorded at the Jottem! Studio in Wormerveer, November 27, 2013.
Engineered and mixed by Andy and Arnold.
Mastered at Next To Jaap Studio in Voorhout by Corno Zwetsloot.
Made, played, recorded and released by The Ex.
Cover design: Emma Fischer.
Cover photo: Andy.
History Is What’s Happening
“Musically, they sound like a rather more melodic version of Crass; politically, they are a lot harder and their lyrics are excellent… An unashamed political manifesto.”
“20 short songs, and this music is not pogo, but, hm, rather unusual. A signpost diversion from punkrock.”
—
Released in 1982.
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Bas (bass), Wim (drums).
Recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Hands Up! You’re Free
“Maybe in bursts, where the undertow doesn’t need to be ribbed with volume, this record represents the real Ex, the complex, hyperfast, mobile scourge of convenient ignorance and partyline stupidity.”
—
Released in 1988
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), John (vocals tks.9-12), Luc (bass), Yoke (bass tks.1-4), Sabien (drums tks.1-4), Katrin (drums tks.5-12).
Guest musicians – Kees (saxophone tks.1-4), Wineke (violin tks.1-4), Dolf Planteijdt (heavymental guitar tks.1-4), Tom Greene (guitar tks.5-8), Susy Honeyman (violin tks.5-8), Jon Langford (singing gardensnake tks.5-8).
Recorded as Peel Sessions at BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, London, England.
Tracks 1-4 produced by Roger Pusey, 1983.
Tracks 5-8 produced by Dale Griffin, 1985.
Tracks 9-12 produced by Dale Griffin, 1986.
Great! / The Evidence
A 45RPM – 7inch single in celebration of The Ex s 45 th anniversary!!!!!!
Few bands are as focused on potential challenges, on what is yet to come, as The Ex. Which is pretty remarkable for a band celebrating 45 years of existence, a turbulent journey filled with an impressive series of highlights. However, nostalgia has never been this band’s forte, as they like no other succeed in reinventing themselves, finding new alliances and fascinating challenges along the way. Stay out of that comfort zone for long enough and it just might disappear.
So, in 45 years they did more than 2000 concerts in 45 countries. It was time for a new 45rpm 7” single. From the brand-new set they are playing full-on this year, they picked two blinking tracks: ‘Great!’ and ’The Evidence’. Urgent, willful, adventurous, open hearted and joyfully obstinate. As such, The Ex remains true to that one, indestructible adage: forward in all directions!
—
Recorded by Jan Schenk @ Schenk Studio, Amsterdam July 3 2024.
Live photo: Maarten Mooijman.
Cover & design: Emma Fischer.
Mixed & mastered by The Ex.
The Ex is
Terrie Hessels – guitar,
Katherina Bornefeld – drums,
Arnold de Boer – guitar, vocals,
Andy Moor – guitar.
From The Top Of My Lungs
From split 7″ single by The Ex + Selvhenter.
Jvtlandt, 2015
JVT0012
Katherina Bornefeld – vocals, shakers
Terrie Hessels – guitar
Andy Moor – baritone guitar
Arnold de Boer – guitar
Made, played, recorded and mixed by The Ex.
Recorded November 27, 2013 and June 10, 2014 at Jottem, Wormerveer, The Netherlands.
Mixed August 14, 2014 at home.
Cover photo: Andy
Label photo: Arnold
Cover design: Emma Fischer
Enormous Door
The Ex have hooked up with one of the most powerful horn sections imaginable and sparks are sure to fly. Since 1979 this inspired, intrepid and seminal band has consistently pushed the envelope, plotting a restless course from their anarchist punk origins to embrace everything from fractured noise to Ethiopian groove. Their thrillingly raw and rhythmic rock sound is born from their ideals, musical friendships/networks and work ethic. Alive to the moment, they are sometimes described as “experimental trance-dance avant-afro-punk improv music” and no one knows what descriptions this metamorphosis will conjure up.
The Ex plan to unleash a new wild and combustible show in collaboration with four of the world’s most powerful and performative horn players for some in-the-red swing time. Brass Unbound comprise Swedish force of nature Mats Gustafsson (saxophone), Chicago jazz heavyweight Ken Vandermark (saxophone), Italian wild card Roy Paci (trumpet) and boundary busting classical/futurist Wolter Wierbos (trombone). The line up is dexterous and dangerous, as players, improvisers and entertainers, this group is nothing short of phenomenal. Expect fireworks.
The Ex have been involved in a steady stream of boundary-breaking collaborations, releases, tours and films that have established them as a unique but under-acknowledged force in rock music, who are always on the move, but always sound like The Ex.
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credits
released March 10, 2017
Ex Records, 2013 – EX 138D
Andy Moor – guitar, baritone guitar
Terrie Hessels – guitar, baritone guitar
Arnold de Boer – vocals, guitar, sampler
Katherina Bornefeld – drums, vocals
Mats Gustafsson – baritone sax
Ken Vandermark – tenor + baritone sax, clarinet
Wolter Wierbos – trombone
Roy Paci – trumpet
Recorded by Riccardo Parravicini at Pasada Negro Studios, Lesse, Italy. June 4-5, 2012.
Assistant engineer: Gianluigi ‘GG’ Gallo.
Mixed by Riccardo, Andy Moor and The Ex at the Pasada Negro Studios. April 1-2-3 2013.
Mastered by Gilius Kreiken at the Frank van der Weij Studio, Amsterdam. April 5, 2013.
Produced by The Ex & Brass Unbound.
Mats Gustafsson was recorded at the Summa Studio in Stockholm by Johan Berthling, Andreas Werliin and Arnold de Boer. January 10, 2013.
Een Rondje Holland
“Rather than simply grafting cheesy strings to original songs, these Dutch noiseniks have bent a 20-piece orchestra to their own polyrhythmic, cacophonous needs. The result is pure sonic excess. Latinate brass fanfares slur, goaded by jagged slashing from cellos as the five members of The Ex raise a tumult. The music is a delirious pummeling, all energy and rhythm on cuts like “Kokend Asfalt” (which is a reworked “State of Shock” from “Scrabbling at the Lock” with cellist Tom Cora) or the Stravinsky-meets-Stooges “Meer Nieuws” (which alters “River,” from “Dizzy Spells”).” -Kevin Williams, Chicago Tribune
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Acoustic Bass – Luc
Conductor, Bassoon [Electric], Electric Bass – Hamish McKeich
Double Bass – Ernst Glerum, Wilbert De Joode
Drums – Wilf Plum
Drums, Percussion – Michael Vatcher
Drums, Voice – Katrin
Engineer [Hall Sound] – Dolf Planteijdt
Engineer [Stage Sound] – Colin McLean
Guitar – Andy, Terrie
Mixed By [Mix And Finishing Touch] – Dolf, The Ex, Zlaya
Saw, Performer [Groove Box] – Gert-Jan Blom
Saxophone, Clarinet – Michael Moore
Trombone – Joost Buis, Wolter Wierbos
Trumpet – Felicity Provan, Roy Paci
Valve Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba – Ferry Heyne
Voice – G.W. Sok, Han Buhrs, Jaap Blonk
Voice, Lyrics By – Jan Mulder
Ex Orkest is a special project, contrived, compiled and arranged by The Ex, at the request of the Holland Festival 2000. This record is a co-production of The Ex, Holland Festival, NPS Radio & TV, and Paradisolife.
Recorded live on 8th (Paradiso, Amsterdam), 9th (Vooruit, Gent), 10th (Moers Festival, Germany) and 11th June (NPS/Paradisolife, Amsterdam).
“Symfonie Voor Machines” (track 3) is based on the piece “Zavod” (The Iron Foundry) by Alexander Mossolov (1900-1973), a suite from the ballet “Stal” (Steel, Opus 19, 1926).
Released in a standard jewel case, with a 16-page booklet.
Dizzy Spells
“Dizzy Spells is good. Oh, it’s damn good, all right. The Ex are experts at effectively jarring dissonance, but they’re not just noisy, either; they’re well versed in creating musical chaos. Granted, melody isn’t too common, but when it does show up somewhere in the din, it’s all the more welcoming.” —Spencer Owen, Pitchfork
“Now into their third decade as Holland’s bravest avant-punk terrorists, the Ex seem incapable of slowing down… Rhythmically there are few who can touch the Ex, and Albini’s hand lends these proceedings an especially scalpel-sharp wallop, allowing the band’s now-trademarked taut, skittering trapwork, thrusting bass-encounter play and nicked-guitar screech to propel their cleverly refined political/social text with an irrepressible mix of dexterity and abrasiveness… Get in their way at your own risk.”
“It’s still hard to believe that a band formed more than 20 years ago are capable of releasing a new album that’s both vital and worthy of the promise of their earlier material. But the Ex have defied the odds more than once… and now, with Dizzy Spells, the quintet may have topped it all. … The Ex, like Lungfish and Fugazi, always sound immediate and fresh. … As well-received as 1998’s Starters Alternators (the band’s Touch And Go debut) was, Dizzy Spells may prove to be even better. If nothing else, it’s more tuneful, and yet The Ex have sacrificed nothing in the name of accessibility.”
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Katrin (drums, vocals), Terrie (guitar), Andy (guitar), Luc (bass), G.W. Sok (vocals).
Recorded at the Black Box Studio, Noyant la Gravoyère, France.
Produced by Steve Albini
Disturbing Domestic Peace
“This is prime stuff. It’s primitive when compared with their current wide-ranging output, but even then they were embellishing their their scratchy politico-punk with some interesting instrumental touches. Morse code keyboards, a chipped-flint guitar sound, distorted vocals, and the rhythm section’s implacable forward motion make this worth a listen even if you don’t care what they had to say.”
“What makes them interesting, is their original musical approach, not hindered by technical ingenuity.”
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Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Bas (bass), Ome Geurt (drums).
Recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands.
Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
Originally released as a vinyl album with free bonus live 7″ “Live-Skive” (tracks 11-14 on the CD)
Dignity of Labour (Sucked Out Chucked Out) 1-8
Originally released on four 7″ singles in 1983,
Rereleased on CD 1995
The Ex (Sabine, Bas, Terrie, G.W.Sok): drums, bass, guitar, voice, accordion, double-bass, wood-blocks, percussion, noise.
Recorded at the Van Gelder ruins and at the Koeienverhuurbedrijf.
Discs have solid black labels and are housed in a thin cardboard box. Inserts include 24-page booklet and a 61 x 43 cm folded poster (promo picture / lyrics in English and Dutch).
Dead Fish
“A direct attack on the commercialisation of indie music and the creaky industries that support its mass market consumption. The Ex are still committed naturals in an over exposed and hyped arena.”
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All words and music by The Ex, except: song no.3 – words by Nico van Apeldoorn/Ex, and: song no. 7 – words by Nico can Apeldoorn. Song no.7 is a bonus-track, previously unreleased, from the same session.
Live DAT recording at KGM Studious in Wakefield, England, on July 1 & 2, 1989.
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Katrin (drums).
Producer:Jon Langford
engineer: Ian Caple
studio man: Tony Bonner.
Front-steeve drawing by Woeloem.
Remastered by Mikel Le Roy at Studio Le Roy, Amsterdam, February 2004.
Originally released by Ex Records in June 1990, as vinyl 10″ (EX 044) annex 3″ CD (EX 044C). Re-released in March 2004 as EX 044D.
Catch My Shoe
‘‘The new record from Dutch veterans The Ex is quite oddly packaged. It looks like someone has obtained the design by coding a Design-Your-Album-Cover-Automatically programme and then setting the controls to Mid-1980’s, Obscure, and Rough Trade. From the very plain typefaces to the choice of images, it manages to look completely outdated, and yet to completely suit their (timeless) music at once. The Ex, you see, are No Ordinary Band. Would anyone else not just continue but actually kick off a whole new period of frantic activity having just lost their lead singer a full thirty years after he co-founded the band? Unlikely. Yet that is exactly what The Ex have done, and “Catch My Shoe” is the triumphant result.
Showcasing their very rhythmic brand of art rock, which references The Fall as much as it does Sonic Youth and Joy Division as much as it does The Slits, “Catch My Shoe” is a relentless, syncopated, driven record, filled with incredible jazz sax and trumpet leads and astonishing lyrical concepts which disturb and emphasise the hypnotic rhythmic sway. Arnold De Boer, the replacement for the departed vocalist G W Sok, is a past collaborator with The Ex, and this familiarity lends the resulting ensemble some significant chemistry. While not quite as outstanding an experience as The Ex live (definitely, absolutely and utterly NOT TO BE MISSED), this is easily one of the best post punk / art rock records which will be released in 2010, and a creative high point even for these old hands.” -Eddie Thomas, Subbacultcha
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Arnold de Boer (vocals, guitar)
Andy Moor (guitar, baritone guitar)
Terrie Hessels (guitar, baritone guitar)
Katherina Bornefeld (drums, vocals)
special guest Roy Paci (trumpet)
Recorded March 22-24 2010 at Electrical Audio, Chicago, USA by Steve Albini.
Mixed in Amsterdam in Andy’s room by The Ex. Mastered at Chicago Mastering Service by Bob Weston
Blueprints For A Blackout
“It’s caustic. A real burner. (…) While still retaining an all important relevant edge to their musical comment , they’ve introduced elements of tunesmithing, attack, decay and composition that places them head and shoulders above their contemporaries.”
“Well-known venom, but the music becomes more experimental (i.e. slower, richer, more stirring, fed by yet rather remarkable set of instruments) with every new release.”
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Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Yoke (bass), Sabien (drums), plus double-bass, organ, violin, oil-barrels, accordion, beer-crates, piano.
Guest musicians – Kees (oboe, flute, saxes), Jon Langford (marimba, rhythmbox, guitar), Dolf Planteijdt (guitar, drums), Vazant (sax), Marcel (marimba, drums), Adrie (drums), Bas (bass, double-bass), Ferrie (trumpet).
Recorded at Joke’s Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt + Jon Langford
Aural Gorilla
“The Ex are a regression to the pop of rage. They understand that punk’s form of protest was to amplify your alienation and disposession… The Ex are best when they’re the sound of a collapsing system, a catastrophic fury that’s senseless and unnegotiable. That’s their lure in this era of pragmatic reformers.”
“Powerful, strong punk, with a bit of an industrial edge, and as always, inspiring lyrics.”
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Released in 1988
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Katrin (drums), Nicolette (guitar, whistles, mouth-organ).
Guest musicians; Ferrie Meurkerrie (trumpet tk.2), Harry (percussion tk.9), Dolf Planteijdt (guitar tk.3)
Recorded at Studio Suite 16, Rochdale, England.
Produced by Jon Langford.
At The Bimhuis (1991-2015)
The Ex in 2015 are more rhythmically fluid, but they are still calling out trouble wherever they find it, and the jagged parts aren’t gone, only placed differently. Most importantly, they sound as engaged and vital as ever. —Bill Meyer, Dusted Magazine
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Released December 11, 2017
CD 1
1. Flutes Tale (The Ex & Guests, 29-06-1991)
2. Shopping Street (The Ex & Guests, 29-06-1991)
3. Pretty Cattle Office (The Ex & Guests, 29-06-1991)
4. Lied der Steinklopfer (The Ex & Guests, 29-06-1991)
5. Invitation to Dance (The Ex & Guests, October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
6. Kimmel (The Ex & Guests, October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
7. Sonic Broom (The Ex & Guests, October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
8. The Early Bird’s Worm (The Ex & Guests, October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
9. Ex Guitars ‘n’ Han (October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
10. Kat ‘n’ Han (October Meeting, 23-10-1991)
11. Dear House (The Ex & Guests, Han Buhrs Podiumprijs, 11-12-1993)
12. New Clear Daze (The Ex & Guests, Han Buhrs Podiumprijs, 11-12-1993)
13. Oh Puckerlips Now (The Ex & Guests, Han Buhrs Podiumprijs, 11-12-1993)
CD 2
1. Symphony for Machines (Ex Orkest, 27-04-2002)
2. Gronings Liedje (Ex Orkest, 27-04-2002)
3. Suction Prints (Ex Orkest, 27-04-2002)
4. Lale Guma (Ex Orkest, 27-04-2002)
5. Shellelle (Getatchew Mekuria & The Ex & Friends, 06-07-2012)
6. Abbay Abbay/Aynamaye Nesh (Getatchew Mekuria & The Ex & Friends, 06-07-2012)
7. Aha Gedawo (Getachew Mekuria & Ex & Friends, 06-07-2012)
8. Bourgeois Blues (Sea ‘n’ Xavier ‘n’ Han, New Years Eve Party, 31-12-2010)
9. 24 Problems (The Ex & Brass Unbound, 33 1/2 Festival, 21-12-2015)
10. Every Sixth is Cracked (The Ex, Juegdvoorstelling, 17-05-2015)
11. +Bonus track: Gondar (The Ex & Fendika & Guests & Friends, 22-12-2012)
Bass – Colin McLean (pistas: 1-1 to 1-4, 2-5 to 2-7), Luc Klaasen (pistas: 1-1 to 2-4)
Clarinet – Xavier Charles (pistas: 2-1 to 2-8, 2-11)
Conductor, Bassoon – Hamish McKeich (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4)
Double Bass – Ernst Glerum (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4), Rozemarie Heggen (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4), Wilbert De Joode (pistas: 1-5 to 1-10)
Drum, Lute, Vocals – Fendika (pistas: 2-11)
Drums – Han Bennink (pistas: 1-1 to 1-10, 2-8), Paal Nilssen-Love (pistas: 2-11), Wilf Plum (pistas: 1-1 to 1-10, 2-1 to 2-4)
Drums, Percussion – Michael Vatcher (pistas: 1-11 to 2-4)
Drums, Vocals – Katherina Bornefeld (pistas: 1-13 to 2-7, 2-9 to 2-11)
Flute, Viola, Saxophone – Herr Seele (pistas: 1-1 to 1-4)
Groovebox, Saw, Bass Harmonica – Gert Jan Blom* (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4)
Guitar, Baritone Guitar – Andy Moor (2) (pistas: 1-13 to 2-7, 2-9 to 2-11), Terrie Hessels (pistas: 1-13 to 2-7, 2-9 to 2-11)
Guitar, Violin, Drums, Bass, Trumpet, Vocals – Dog Faced Hermans (pistas: 1-1 to 1-4)
Liner Notes [Article] – Peter Bruyn
Performer [Dance] – Melaku Belay (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7), Mesay Abebaye (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7)
Piano – Steve Beresford (pistas: 1-5 to 1-10)
Saxophone – Brodie West (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7), Getachew Mekuria (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7), John Butcher (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4), Mats Gustafsson (pistas: 2-9, 2-11)
Saxophone, Clarinet – Ab Baars (pistas: 1-1 to 1-13, 2-9), Ken Vandermark (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7, 2-9, 2-11)
Trombone – Joost Buis (pistas: 2-1 to 2-7, 2-11), Wolter Wierbos (pistas: 1-1 to 2-4, 2-9, 2-11)
Trumpet – Arnold de Boer (pistas: 2-5 to 2-7), Claude Deppa (pistas: 1-5 to 1-10), Felicity Provan (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4), Peter Evans (2) (pistas: 2-9, 2-11), Roy Paci (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4)
Trumpet, Vocals – Marion Coutts (pistas: 1-1 to 1-10)
Tuba – Tseerd Oostendorp* (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4)
Violin – Andy Moor (2) (pistas: 1-1 to 1-4)
Vocals – GW Sok (pistas: 1-1 to 2-4), Greetje Bijma (pistas: 1-5 to 1-10), Han Buhrs (pistas: 1-11 to 1-13), Jaap Blonk (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4), Phil Minton (pistas: 2-1 to 2-4)
Vocals, Sampler, Guitar – Arnold de Boer (pistas: 2-5 to 2-11)
Voice [Poetry] – Dorpsoudste De Jong (pistas: 1-1 to 1-4)
And The Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders
“Like Sonic Youth, The Ex knows that their harshest parts stand out in bolder and better relief when balanced with softer moments.”
“The Ex and Tom Cora have joined forces again for another passionate and eclectic release.”
“A new voyage of discovery, once again quite enervating… Poetry and chaos side by side, like confrontation and trance, in a wild collision of styles. Uneasy listening.”
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Released January 1, 1993
Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Luc (bass), Andy (guitar), Katrin (drums, vocals), Tom Cora (cello).
Recorded at Friends Studio, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.
30
30 years of The Ex – a double album compilation featuring songs from all Ex albums from 1980 until 2006.
Ex Records, 2009.
EX119D/EX120D
All songs remastered for this release by Colin McLean at OT301, Amsterdam.
27 Passports
“With the unmistakable “Ex energy”. The three-pronged guitar approach is still as exciting as ever, with the guitars of Andy Moor, Terrie Hessels and Arnold de Boer creating tense, interlocking webs of connections and drummer Katherina Bornefeld pushing the band with dancing, hypnotic patterns.” -Guy Peters, Geraarsbergen, 2018
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36-page booklet with photos by Andy Moor and lyrics.
Recorded at Electric Monkey Studio, Amsterdam, by Kasper Frenkel. October 16 &17, 2017
Guitar and baritone overdubs by Andy, recorded at Next To Jaap Studio, Voorhout by Arnold, October 29
Guitar, percussion and vocal overdubs by Terrie, Arnold and Katherina, recorded at Electric Monkey by Kasper, October 31
Katherina’s vocals and Arnold’s guitar on Silent Waste, recorded at Arnolds Upstairs, November 28
Mixed by Arnold & The Ex at Arnolds Upstairs
Mastered by Tammo Kersbergen
Cut by Lex van Coeverden at Dance International
Pressed by Discomat bvba, Herk de Stad, Belgie
Artwork & Lay-out: Emma Fischer
Photos: Andy Moor
Arnold de Boer – Vocals, guitar, claps
Terrie Hessels – Guitar
Katherina Bornefeld – Drums, vocals
Andy Moor – Guitar, baritone guitar
1936 – The Spanish Revolution
Released January 1, 1986
Luc – bass, guitar, backing vocals
Katrin – drums, hand-clapping, backing vocals
Terrie – guitars, hand-clapping, backing vocals
G.W.Sok – voice
John – voice, backing vocals, hand-clapping
Dolf – guitar, hand-clapping
Cobie – hand-clapping, backing vocals
Recorded March 9-13, 1986 in Emma’s Koeienvarhuurbedrijf, Amsterdam, Holland.
Produced by Dolf & The Ex
Originally released as book with two 7″ singles in June 1986 in co-operation with Ron Johnson Records as EX 028/029 (Zron 11). Re-released (this time with two 3″ CDs) in October 1997 by Ex Records/Ravijn (EX 028/029D) and AK Press (AKA 010CD).
































