Concertwire.com

Formed in 1979 at the apex of the original punk explosion, The Ex has undergone a significant evolution since its early anarchist beginnings. Expanding beyond the relatively narrow confines of punk rock, the band has become a melting-pot of diverse musical styles ’ noise, rock, jazz, improvisation, and ethnic musics (from Hungary, Turkey and, especially in recent years, Ethiopia) ’ under their unique musical umbrella: “Ex Music.” Discordant, highly rhythmic guitars, the rolling, almost African drumming style, and the intense delivery of the often ironic lyrics give the music its special character. Buke and Gass are a Brooklyn-based two-piece ’ Arone Dyer on the “buke” (a self-modified six-string baritone ukulele) and Aron Sanchez on the “gass” (a guitar-bass hybrid of his own creation). Both of them play double duty, mobilizing a small army of foot percussion. These instruments are then filtered through various pedals, amplifiers and other homemade inventions to create a surprisingly complex sound.