Treat cover

Treat

The Ex · 1990

44 min · 23 tracks · art rock

Eccentric rhythms and sharp lyrics blend with avant-garde melodies, creating a distinctly quirky art rock soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Elvis and I Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its playful yet critical examination of celebrity culture, encapsulating the album's satirical edge.
  • →
    No More Cigars — This track features a frenetic rhythm paired with biting lyrics that critique consumerism, making it a standout reflection of the band's political commentary.
  • →
    Beautiful — 'Beautiful' diverges into more introspective territory, showcasing the band's ability to balance humor with deep emotional resonance.
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    The State of Freedom — With complex instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics, this track exemplifies The Ex’s unique fusion of art rock with socio-political themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • socially charged lyrical themes
  • short bursts of intensity
  • dynamic progression throughout
  • headphone detail hunting experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek slow, meditative sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album showcases bold experimentation within the post-punk genre.
Career context
When 'Treat' was released in 1990, The Ex was already an established force in the Dutch punk and art rock scene, following their critically acclaimed album 'Blueprints for a Blackout' from 1989. This album further solidified their experimental approach and commitment to political themes amidst a diverse sonic landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero

Tracklist

  • 1 Elvis and I Start here
  • 2 Mousetrap
  • 3 No More Cigars
  • 4 Meanwhile at McDonna's
  • 5 Shopping Street
  • 6 Tin Gods
  • 7 The State of Freedom
  • 8 The Early Bird's Worm
  • 9 She Said
  • 10 Stonestampers Song
  • 11 Dead Fish
  • 12 Get Your Share
  • 13 The Buzzword Medley
  • 14 New Shoots 3:48
  • 15 Confrontation 4:01
  • 16 Beautiful 6:45
  • 17 Suppressa 4:06
  • 18 Bella ciao 4:06
  • 19 Too Much for the Red Ticker 3:45
  • 20 Timebomb 5:57
  • 21 Mary Houdini 1:42
  • 22 John Henry 6:27
  • 23 The Blantyre Explosion 4:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata