NON-COMM Recap: Ex Hex plays it cool upstairs

Ex Hex | photo by John Vettese for WXPN

It’s fitting that Ex Hex‘s new album is called It’s Real, because this band is the real deal. It’s hard to be anything less when guitar legend Mary Timony is involved — but no single member of the Washington, DC power trio can claim responsibility for their success alone. A fully collaborative effort between three super rad women, Ex Hex formed in 2013 and just released their second album on Merge Records.

Punk rock veteran Timony is known for her work in 90’s bands Helium and Autoclave, plus supergroup Wild Flag, while her co-frontperson in Ex Hex, Betsy Wright, also plays in Bat Fangs. The trio is rounded out by drummer Laura Harris, also of The Aquarium, and although they played tonight as a four-piece, they retained their effortless sense of cool.

Ex Hex’s 2014 debut album Rips captivated the ears of the indie rock world, and the band’s choice to open with “Don’t Wanna Lose” off that album had the same effect on tonight’s crowd. With the rest of their set, we got a taste of the band’s new album, each song simmering brighter than the last. Ex Hex has mastered the balance of combining powerful harmonies and catchy melodies with riff after burning riff, playing songs that will stick with you long after their set is done.

Ex Hex will be back in town on July 12, opening Belle & Sebastian’s sold out show at Union Transfer. In the meantime, check out photos from tonight’s set below.

Setlist
Don’t Wanna Lose
Tough Enough
Rainbow Shiner
Good Times
Radiate
Cosmic Cave