Ex Hex Brings Max Riffs And Much Rock

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 17, 2014 8:45PM

Ex Hex photo by Jonah Takagi

Ex Hex is a new band featuring Mary Timony, formerly of Helium and Wild Flag, alongside Betsy Wright and Laura Harris. Confusingly it's also the title of a 2005 solo release from Timony, though this current Ex Hex is definitely a full band collaborative affair. Doubly confusingly, while this Ex Hex is a band affair, the music sounds closely related to the direction Timony was exploring in 2005. And that direction is straight ahead riff heavy rock. The volume is still up to eleven but unlike her most recent project, Wild Flag, the songs are sharp jagged bursts and not sprawling explosions bordering on the land of prog.

The power trio releases their debut single tomorrow and Chicago is just lucky enough to have the band actually in town for its release. The band is currently touring and working out material so their show at Schubas this week should provide a glimpse into what one can expect from their debut full-length. The single three songs already have us salivating for a heartier meal that we hope can be sustained over the length of a full LP. Something tells me with the way this band is already charging full speed ahead, they'll be up to that task.

Ex Hex plays Tuesday, March 18, at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 7:30 p.m., $10, all ages