Catch My Shoe

Some statistics: This is their 25th CD/LP release on their own Ex Records and 123rd release in total. ‘Catch My Shoe’ is the first one with their new singer Arnold de Boer. The songs range from The Ex versions of high energy Gurage music from Ethiopia (‘Eyol-eyo’) to hypnotic full on dance tunes like ’24 Problems’ and ‘Double Order’. The sound is unmistakably The Ex but with new vocals and Konono style catchy guitar riffs from Arnold and crunchy baritone guitar melodies from Terrie and Andy all propelled along by Kat’s relentless driving ‘African’ beats. The songs range in subject matter from climate confusion, unexpectedly throwing surprise objects, optical illusions, deceitful cropdusters, ice picks and late trains. “In a decade when everyone from the Incredible String Band to the Jesus Lizard has staged a comeback, The Ex top them all; not only are they still together thirty years after they first came together as a punk quartet playing gigs in Amsterdam squats, they’ve never compromised their values, and their music has never sucked. Key to their success is a commitment to constant change and improvisational acumen that enable them to turn circumstances that might break a lesser band into opportunities for growth.” (Bill Meyer – Chicago)