in 2009, after 30 years with the group, singer and co-founder g.w. sok announced his departure from the band. sok did so, believing he lacked sufficient enthusiasm to continue with the group, having decided to focus on writing and graphic design as well as singing in new musical projects with several other bands. his replacement is arnold de boer from the dutch group zea, with whom the ex have toured and collaborated. in addition to singing, de boer plays guitar and utilizes samples with the ex.