FINALLY!!! Re-released on vinyl after almost 40 years! Out on September 25th, 2020, in collaboration with Superior Viaduct USA.

"Originally released in 1982, History Is What's Happening features one of the most harrowing title/cover art combinations in recent memory. What at first glance looks like a firing squad is, upon closer inspection, a concentration camp orchestra.
On their second album, The Ex advance into a distinctly more post-punk style: textural guitar shards and tumbling motorik drumming with Bas Masbeck's thunderous bass shouldering much of the melodic load. Railing against political duplicity and the illusory nature of "freedom" in an age of manufactured consent, G.W. Sok offers some of punk's most bracing and memorable agitprop lyrics. These twenty songs are a quick-moving and caustic trip, a DIY studio rendition of the band's explosive live set from this era.
History Is What's Happening remains an important signpost in the history of both Ex-evolution and the cataclysmic '80s. With their sophomore LP, the group would put Holland on the underground music map. Indeed, many now-lifelong fans around the world were just beginning to take notice and get down with the mighty Ex."

This first-time vinyl reissue comes with 23" x 16" poster and 24-page booklet.

Terrie (guitar), G.W. Sok (vocals), Bas (bass), Wim (drums).
Recorded at Joke's Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, Netherlands.
Produced by Dolf Planteijdt.

Barricades

Shoes

Tracklist

1. Six Of One And Half A Dozen Of The Other
2. Barricades
3. Life Live
4. Machinery
5. E.M.Why
6. Moving Pictures
7. Shoes
8. Watch-Dogs
9. Dutch Disease
10. Blessed Box At The Backseat
11. Who Pays
12. Strong + Muscled
13. Grey
14. Equals Only
15. H'wood - W'ton
16. Sports
17. $
18. Pep Talk
19. Attacked
20. 148

Reviews

"Musically, they sound like a rather more melodic version of Crass; politically, they are a lot harder and their lyrics are excellent... An unashamed political manifesto."

"20 short songs, and this music is not pogo, but, hm, rather unusual. A signpost diversion from punkrock."

Digital album available from Bandcamp.