Known for their anarchist politics and disregard for punk orthodoxy, The Ex began releasing their explicitly anti-commercial albums and singles in the early '80s. Combining post-punk starkness with Eastern European folk forms, African rhythms, avant-garde classical and more, the Dutch band proved to be a conduit into eclectic music for a punk audience. An influence on acts including Sonic Youth, Fugazi and Tortoise, The Ex continued touring and recording well into the '00s, collaborating with Ethiopian jazz musicians and experimental electronica artists.