Inspired by bold and brash glam rock, power pop, and punk, Washington, D.C.'s power trio Ex Hex feature singer/guitarist Mary Timony (also of Helium and Wild Flag), bassist Betsy Wright, and drummer Laura Harris. Late in 2013, it was announced that Ex Hex signed to Merge Records. The band's debut single, "Hot and Cold," arrived in March 2014 with an even more streamlined and straightforward sound than Timony pursued with Wild Flag. For their first full-length, Rips, Ex Hex worked with producer Mitch Easter as well as Timony's frequent collaborator Jonah Takagi; Bobby Harlow of the Go and Conspiracy of Owls mixed the album. Rips arrived in October 2014. ~ Heather Phares