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 Dutchmen 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 in the '00s, collaborating with Ethiopian jazz musicians and experimental electronica artists.