Archer

ABOUT

Archer is a new quartet configuration featuring Dutch punk legend Terrie Ex alongside Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis on the front line, backed by one of the hardest working rhythm sections in Norway with “Johnny Strum” on bass and “Dollop Eastfang” on drums.  This international conglomerate made its debut on a tour of Norway in February 2023, and now hits the US for the first time in April.

Guitarist Terrie Ex may be known for his decades of work in the Dutch punk band The Ex, but his abilities as an improviser are unparalleled.  The urgency of his playing and a complete irreverence to form or narrative, coupled with a wild imagination and a Dadaist sense of humor, turn him into a rare bird in the field of improvised music – an actual improviser.   His longstanding work with legends of the worldwide scene includes ongoing collaborations with Han Bennink, Ken Vandermark, Jaap Blonk, Paal Nilssen-Love, and Ethiopian superstar Getachew Mekurya.

Rempis is a saxophonist who’s developed a wide-ranging palette across his decades as an anchor of the Chicago scene.  From Brötzmann-like blasts of sound that he can sustain over the long-term like few living saxophonists, to pointillistic explorations of texture and timbre, his broad arsenal is the perfect foil to match that of Ex.   The two together might spiral upwards into the stratosphere at one moment, and alight like a bee on a flower the next. 

Alongside them, a powerhouse Norwegian rhythm section drives the momentum forward. “Strum” and “Eastfang” are known for their work together in bands like Universal Indians (with Joe McPhee), and All Included (w/Martin Küchen), as well as in the renowned Norwegian quintet Friends & Neighbors.  “Strum” has also been a frequent collaborator of drummer Paal Nilssen-Love in his Large Unit, and the Frode Gjerstad Trio, while “Eastfang’s” CV includes work with Mars Williams, Trevor Watts, Ben Lamar Gay, and jaimie branch.

As a quartet, these four might spark a fire under your ass, or they might tiptoe across the tulips softer than a morning dew.  This band fully reserves the right to make it up as they go.

LISTEN

PHOTOS

TOUR DATES

04/05/24 Chicago, IL Constellation
04/06/24 Madison, WI BlueStem Jazz
04/07/24 Milwaukee, WI Sugar Maple
04/08/24 Detroit, MI Trinosophes
04/09/24 Cleveland, OH New Ghosts
04/10/24 Buffalo, NY Hallwalls
04/11/24 Philadelphia, PA Solar Myth
04/12/24 Washington DC Rhizome
04/13/24 Lexington, KY 21c Hotel & Museum