Play of the day is not your EX

The Ex
If your mirror breaks
Ex records

Imagine doing something for over 40 years and it still having major relevance. Most people’s working careers slip away in that fourth decade as they look to the revolving door on the way out. No such feelings with The Ex. This band are as vital and relevant today as they were over 40 years ago.

The urgency of their sound, guitars clashing against each other, rhythm of the drums and acerbic vocals coming in at just the right time, hasn’t changed. The soundscape is different but this is still a band that doesn’t bother itself with typical song structures.

Every song evokes a feeling and movement in much the same way as they always have done. The band just keep reinventing themselves and if your mirror breaks is their latest invention.

Each track takes a guitar riff and then the guitars scrap against each other while Kat provides the rhythm on the drums. I sit here with my headphones on moving my head in what I think is rhythmically to the music but to any onlooker they must think I’ve gone crazy, head moving side to side, up and down and around. All very sporadic.

Arnold’s lyrics and voice complement what is going on perfectly. He uses his words as a way of storytelling, creating a soundscape through his words that enthralls the listener. The record finishes with Great, it’s a crescendo of rhythm and noise that makes this headphone wearing fan look even crazier. The guitars soar, the drums beat and then bang its over!!

I first listened to this band in 1980s and have been a huge fan since. It is the band that can do now wrong and certainly have done no wrong in all that time.

Please get on board.

niallhope