2014’s debut record from Ex Hex was titled Rips and it did just that. That album is a mix of 60’s buzzing garage rock, 80’s glam attitude, and power pop bliss. For their follow up titled It’s Real the band slowed down and focused on arena-ready mid-tempo tunes in the vein of Thin Lizzy.
The trio (Mary Timony – guitar, Laura Harris – drums, and Betsy Wright – bass) has dialed back the pace and energy, and while this languid, restrained tone works on their more grandiose efforts, it zaps the punkish, vital feeling of their best rock and roll.
Opener “Tough Enough” sets the tone with a glam/hair metal inspired number using disenchanted vocals and meaty riffs from Timony before things get successfully blown up to arena-ready levels for the large marching grooves of “Rainbow Shiner” complete with echo effects and multi-tracked guitar parts. “Wait It to Be True” slogs before a kicked up bridge/solo section rescues things while Wright’s bass pushes the heaviest number “Diamond Drive” rumbling down the highway.
There are multiple lyrics about rainbows, colors, dimensions and illusions as relationships, heartaches and anxiety are at the heart of Timoney’s writing, fitting the tunes well. “No Reflection” uses sweet vocal effects to bookend the number while “Good Times” layers the singing and backup “yeah yeah yeah’s” over a swinging groove which never fully takes off.
The best tracks arrive at the end and really inject life into the proceedings. “Radiate” pairs a swaggering radio-friendly beat with keyboard work and killer riffs/singing while closer “Talk To Me” builds to a psychedelic, climactic finish. The clear best song, “Cosmic Cave”, brings back Ex Hex’s garage shaking vibe with warbling guitar and energy as the trio, along with producer Jonah Takagi, swirl 50’s girl group sounds with 80’s dance party spirit and a killer bass line.
The ten songs are all solid, however, the restrained feeling of the record, especially early on, results in an album more one-note than it should be. EX Hex still rock but urgency is primarily absent, keeping It’s Real from truly ripping.
