Is Een Rondje Holland a good place to start with The Ex?

Yes, Een Rondje Holland is recommended as a starting point for new The Ex listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of art rock and punk energy infused with eclectic instrumentation and sharp lyrical commentary. Released in 2001, Een Rondje Holland marked The Ex's ninth studio album, showcasing their evolution into a more experimental sound. The band had already established a strong presence in the Dutch underground scene since their formation in 1979, and this album came after several notable projects that highlighted their commitment to challenging musical conventions.

Who is Een Rondje Holland for?

Een Rondje Holland works well if you're into steady flow with dynamic peaks, evocative themes of everyday life and engaging narratives with layered instrumentation.

How many songs are on Een Rondje Holland?

Een Rondje Holland has 12 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Een Rondje Holland

The Ex · 2001

51 min · 12 tracks · art rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of art rock and punk energy infused with eclectic instrumentation and sharp lyrical commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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De weg Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythms and reflective lyrics about travel and discovery, embodying the album's thematic exploration of movement.
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Kokend asfalt — This track combines intricate guitar work with a dynamic structure, showcasing the band's ability to fuse punk energy with artful experimentation.
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Een rondje Holland — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album through vivid storytelling that paints a picture of Dutch life while maintaining an engaging musicality.
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Symfonie voor machines — With its mechanical-inspired sounds and rhythmic complexity, this track highlights The Ex's experimental edge, pushing the boundaries of typical rock instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic instrumentation and sharp lyrics create a distinctive sound that stands out within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including brass and strings, which are used in unconventional ways throughout the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability.
Lyrically, the songs often employ sharp, satirical commentary on Dutch culture, with varying vocal delivery styles that enhance the message.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow with dynamic peaks
evocative themes of everyday life
engaging narratives with layered instrumentation
for reflective afternoon listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a deliberate departure into a more eclectic and innovative sound.
Career context: Released in 2001, Een Rondje Holland marked The Ex's ninth studio album, showcasing their evolution into a more experimental sound. The band had already established a strong presence in the Dutch underground scene since their formation in 1979, and this album came after several notable projects that highlighted their commitment to challenging musical conventions.
Stylistic neighbors: Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero