These uncompromising Dutch anarchists first waxed their far-left funk-punk the same
year the Gang Of Four did: 1979. But the Ex never gave up – just altered their co-
ed lineup now and then. Countless releases later, with Steve Albini producing and a
tunefully accented new singer up front, they've given up on staying concise. But they've
also traded in dogmatic pamphleteering for thoughtful political allegories, often featuring
tangible hook-phrases. The most memorable songs here are the two with trumpet parts,
the two said to draw directly on African music, and "Cold Weather Is Back" – a dystopian
vision of future post-technological ice age.

Listen to "Cold Weather Is Back":

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“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”