The Ex Brass Unbound + Rempis/Adasiewicz/Corsano

The Ex & Brass UnboundNo band embodies the spirit of punk quite like The Ex (°1979). What began as socially charged noise, rooted in squatter and punk ideology, developed into a phenomenon that is impossible to define. “Forward in all directions” is their credo, resulting in dozens of releases, more than 2000 concerts worldwide and a formidable live reputation. There too, they do their own thing: no light show, no cheap gimmicks, no spectacle, no false compliments, no empty promises, no posturing and certainly no best-of round. Only new music. For The Ex, punk has always been about independence, innovation and discovery. The list of musicians that they’ve collaborated with – from Tom Cora and Thurston Moore to Getatchew Mekuria – speaks volumes. The Ex is a thirsty sponge for diverse inspirations and a generator of ideas. A way of being in the world, an ode to vitality and an outstretched hand. Now they’re hitting the road again, with Brass Unbound: each and every one a heavyweight of improv music. Ken Vandermark, Mats Gustafsson and Roy Paci have already appeared previously. Now they’re joined by young, female talent: Hanne De Backer, Signe Emmeluth and Guro Kvåle. Ten musicians who seek out risk and excitement, and steer well clear of clichés and nostalgia. Punk as fuck. Dave Rempis, Jason Adasiewicz, Chris Corsano Rietblazer Dave Rempis is not only one of Chicago’s leading musicians, he is also a tireless tornado of sound and a fearlessly free improviser who has already appeared alongside The Ex in the past. Jason Adasiewicz has been one of his permanent companions for years, an adventurer who also dives into the deep end without blinders and became the favourite vibraphonist of the late Peter Brötzmann. Octopus Chris Corsano is one of the most highly acclaimed drummers in the experimental music world, whether playing aside Björk or Bill Orcutt. On his first trio album Dial Up (2025) you can hear a world of possibilities. Live, their impassioned interaction develops to potentially hallucinatory proportions.