Live: Ex Hex @ Crooked Beat Records, 3/23/19

The return of Intern Andrew sees him taking in a special in-store performance from DC trio Ex Hex. Read on for Andrew's musings on the cozy, hot ticket event, and stay tuned over the next few days for some extra special Ex Hex news.

Championing the Washington, DC music community, local indie rock heroes Ex Hex made their way to Crooked Beat Records in Alexandria, VA to perform a live in-store concert to celebrate the release of their latest full-length LP, It’s Real (out now on Merge).

There was only one way in for the eager throng queueing along the corner of N Fairfax and Madison Street: admission was only possible by way of purchasing a limited-edition colored vinyl version of It's Real.

Greeted by the warmth and kindness of Crooked Beat’s owner Bill Daly, the packed house gathered around the many bins of iconic and eclectic vinyl gems to hear the roaring riffs and stellar songwriting of Mary Timony, Betsy Wright, and Laura Harris, showcasing their newest songs for the very first time in anticipation of their four-month long US and European tour.

Delivering their now-familiar brand of fiery power-pop that led them to such critical acclaim, tracks like “Diamond Drive,” “Another Dimension,” and the singles,“Rainbow Shiner” and “Cosmic Cave” further amplified the band’s fun-filled, 80s arena rock motifs, all the while illuminated by their fabulous neon aura.

Ex Hex, in tandem with Crooked Beat and their loyal fanbase, proved to be the perfect combination, as many left the record store with an LP, plenty of smiles, and an unforgettable teaser for the band’s triumphant return to the 9:30 Club with The Messthetics and Clear Channel on May 10th.

[posted 4.26.19]

[photos courtesy Crooked Beat Records]