The Ex formed in 1979 at the height of the original punk explosion. They usually get wedged into some bracket as relentless old-timers who still hang onto their original ideals and (maybe) don"t know when it"s time to hang up their guitars. They"re a political Dutch communal enterprise that"s kept up their musical profile through sheer principle and commitment to the broadening the punk sonic ethos.Scrabbling at the Lock was their 1st of two collaborations with well-known New York avant-garde cellist Tom Cora. The combination may seem odd, but it"s a match made in heaven. Cora was dedicated to taking advantage of its full range of sonic capabilities of the cello, and the Ex were fast expanding on the notion of how a punk band could sound by exploring improvisation and traditional music. The results are adventurous and fresh and the band also rocks like a house on fire, in part due to the now-permanent addition of Andy Moor (ex of Scottish avant-rockers, Dog Faced Hermans) on guitar."Judging from this album, it was a stroke of genius to match Tom Cora"s earthy, aggressive cello with the bludgeoning force of The Ex at full throttle."Their music is dense and down-the-line, distantly allusive, subtle, grainy, open, full and proudly, alertly dissident."Indeed, most of "Scrabbling" could be an intensely moving soundtrack for our times. "Scrabbling" has blood, sweat, tears and the sweetest sounding cello money can buy."Recorded at ADM"s Koeienverhuurbedrijf in Amsterdam, NLProduced by Dolf PlanteydtOriginally released as both a CD and a vinyl album on Ex Records.Personnel:Terrie - GuitarG.W. Sok - VoiceLuc - BassAndy - GuitarKatrin - Drums, VoiceTom Cora - CelloTracks:1. State Of Shock2. Hidegen Fújnak A Szelek3. King Commie4. Crusoe5. The Flute"s Tale6. A Door7. Propadada8. Batium9. Total Preparation10. 199311. Fire And Ice12. Sukaina