Ex Hex 

Rips
(Merge Records)

3/5

HAVING previously played in the critically acclaimed, underground US bands Wild Flag and Helium, Washington DC native Mary Timony’s new project is punk-pop three-piece Ex Hex.

Their album Rips is a relentless rock ’n’ roll ride. 

The short songs blaze past, with the guitars, bass and drums creating an urgent and muscular backdrop to lyrics about boys, being cool and other youthful concerns. 

The red-hot rock of Beast is reminiscent of PJ Harvey’s harder-edged work, while Timony’s vocals often have a strong hint of the power and lucidity of Patti Smith. 

Other songs, like the driving You Fell Apart, remind me of the alternative rock outfit Sleater-Kinney, though Ex Hex is much more pop-orientated with a strong Ramonesesque energy and focus. 

If you like your US punk fast and catchy, with tightly played wailing guitars, then you’ll love this debut album. A glorious racket.

Ian Sinclair