Top tracks — play these first
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Soviet Threat — This track encapsulates the album's core themes of political anxiety and critique through its driving rhythm and urgent lyrics. Its representation of Cold War tensions resonates strongly with listeners seeking sociopolitical commentary.
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Nurse! Start here — Opening with a frenetic energy, this track showcases The Ex's signature blend of punk energy and eclectic instrumentation. Its chaotic sound sets the tone for an album rich in unpredictable musical turns.
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1,000,000 Ashtrays — With its sprawling length, this track delves into themes of consumerism and wastefulness, reflecting on societal neglect. Its repetitive structure emphasizes the monotony of modern life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's chaotic rhythms and political commentary create a distinctive yet somewhat uneven experience.
What we noticed
- The album features abrupt tempo changes, with tracks like 'Soviet Threat' shifting from frenetic energy to quieter moments.
- Vocals often overlap and intertwine, creating a dense texture that reflects the chaotic themes of the lyrics.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like pacing and dynamics
- satirical themes for critical listeners
- engaging in-order listening experience
- exploratory sound with unpredictable shifts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Recognized for bold political critique and artistic ambition in context of Cold War.
- Career context
- Released in 1985, 'Pokkeherrie' was The Ex's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'History Is What's Happening'. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation within the Dutch punk scene while expanding their sound into more avant-garde territories, blending elements of free jazz and folk influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Friendly Neighbours
The narrative shifts from communal unity to a stark realization of betrayal among acquaintances.
This transition highlights a sense of disillusionment, capturing the tension between idealism and harsh reality that permeates the album.
Tracklist
- 1 Nurse! Start here 6:09
- 2 Soviet Threat 7:08
- 3 Mmm Crisis 3:29
- 4 1,000,000 Ashtrays 9:15
- 5 White Liberals 5:42
- 6 Everything We Never Wanted 4:28
- 7 Friendly Neighbours 4:20
- 8 Hit the Headlines 5:47
- 9 Rumours of Music (The Original Soundcrack) 6:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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