Review

It’s hard to know what to expect from a gig like this. The Ex, for it bears some explanation, is a Dutch anarchist punk band that formed in 1980 and have been at it solidly ever since, albeit with a series of line-up changes that have left them with only one original member, guitarist Terrie Hessels, since frontman G.W. Sok left last year. They bring with them a fearsome live reputation, but on this tour they are also joined by four-strong jazz experimentalists Brass Unbound. If that sounds like an incendiary combination, you’re right: the horn players set fire to the performance from the outset. The Ex begin with a repetitive Krautrock groove for a couple of minutes before an electrifying blast of trumpet, trombone and two baritone saxes from their multinational brass section, and the tone is set for the evening.

Over their 30-year career, The Ex have never been afraid to experiment, and the inclusion of these virtuoso jazz horn players is yet another example for that – it’s interesting to note the contrast between their playing and the rather rudimentary skills of the three punk guitarists (a mixture of baritone and normal electric guitars). But at least one member of The Ex can stand toe-to-toe with their guests, and that’s drummer Katherina Bornefeld, whose loose-limbed, expressive drumming ties the whole thing together beautifully. She’s no ordinary punk drummer, as she mainly plays dextrous, African-tinged polyrhythms, which accounts for the amount of dancing throughout the room.

She also provides vocals on two of the standout moments of the night; two songs that typify the band’s internationalist approach – one a haunting Hungarian folk song, where she steps from behind the kit and accompanies herself with a tapped cowbell while the ensemble around her build gently to a climax; the other a traditional Ethiopian song, the band’s nod to their frequent visits to that country over the last decade, where they apparently became the Western band of choice in many areas. After three decades, having just lost their figurehead and with the risk of bringing an entire brass section in tow, this tour could have been an awkward experience for all concerned, but the show is nothing short of triumphant. The fire continues to burn and The Ex march on. Chris Jones

Posted on: February 16, 2010