Ex Hex rocks Johnny Brenda’s on a triple bill with No Other and Speedy Ortiz

To experience Washington, D.C. based Ex Hex is to witness music in motion at its finest. Their 2014 record Rips captures the lyrical and guitar snaps, crackles and pops of Mary Timony, Betsy Wright and Laura Harris. But that is only half their story. Live they are a whirlwind of guitar picks, drum sticks, legs kicking and raw, sweet oozing rock. This past Tuesday their high octane brew entranced a sold-out Johnny Brenda’s.

Most songs are predicated on guitarist and lead singer Timony meeting bassist Wright stage center. Bending their bodies and flashing smiles, they are having as much of a blast as any performers I have witnessed on stage. And the songs are certainly catchy, most especially “Hot and Cold.” Ex Hex are not to be missed live.

Opening the night were Philly locals No Other. Lead by guitarist Maria T Sciarrino, formerly of Bedroom Problems, and bassist Laura Chance, they were a blast to watch. With a brand new 7” out and EP I Believe in Werner Herzog under their belts, they are a stirring blend of pop and punk.

Speedy Ortiz closed the night with their brash indie-rock. Led by the magnetic Sadie Dupuis, the Northampton, MA four-piece rocked into Wednesday morning. Playing behind their 2014 EP Real Hair and their LP Major Arcana, they proved to be a fine end to the night’s three courses of music.