It just got real – Ex Hex are back with punchy new single ‘Cosmic Cave’.
It’s a great start to the year when you hear that a band you love will be releasing new material. American trio Ex Hex are one of the bands I’ve been eagerly awaiting to hear from and not only have they announced the follow up to their 2014 debut ‘Rips’ they’ve also confirmed dates for a UK tour in May (details below).
The power trio of Mary Timony (guitar, vocals), Betsy Wright (bass, vocals), and Laura Harris (drums) got back in the studio after the near-constant touring of 2015 and 2016 and second album ‘It’s Real’ (out 22 March via Merge) was born. ‘Rips’ was a raucous rush of pure powerpop and ‘It’s Real’ promises more of that on steroids – still rocking but more refined.
First single ‘Cosmic Cave’ (listen below) is short and deliciously sweet with the soaring sing-along chorus and “whoa-oh-ohs” that have become an Ex Hex trademark. It’s a spaced-out trip through swirling riffs and a driving bassline that clearly shows how much their sound has grown. Timony’s vocals are, as always, the ideal purring but punky mix of Blondie, Chrissie Hynde and Belinda Carlisle.
‘Cosmic Cave’ is fast, furious and fun – all the elements of Ex Hex we’ve come to love. It’s real, they’re finally back.
Ex Hex UK live dates:
May 24 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
May 25 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
May 27 – The Exchange, Bristol
May 28 – Village Underground, London
