Like no other band on the planet, Holland's experimental punk band the Ex demonstrate that punk rock can encompass artistic dualities and still swing. The 11 forceful, buzzing, in-your-face songs on Starters Alternators (produced by Steve Albini) are simultaneously political and personal, frenzied and beautiful, frenetic and tasteful. "Frenzy" and "Two Struck by the Moon" possess the taught, sharp delivery of early Wire, while "It's a Sin" sounds like Sonic Youth raised on Eastern European folk dirges. A simply tremendous record. --Mike McGonigal