Fans of Mary Timony (Helium, Autoclave, Wild Flag) are probably well familiar with the post-punk singer’s newest power-pop outfit, Ex Hex, who released their debut album, Rips, last year on Merge Records.
But for those who don’t follow the Washington D.C. music scene with a fine-toothed comb, Pitchfork named the LP as one of the “Best New Albums of 2014” and after seeing the group’s new video for “Don’t Wanna Lose,” we can see—and hear—why.
Directed by Lara Jean Gallagher, the clip is heavily inspired by the ’80s cult-classic movie Ladies And Gentlemen: The Fabulous Stains, starring a very young Diane Lane and extremely tall Lara Dern, and it’s glorious.
The Stains co-opted the black, white and red color palette waaaaay before The White Stripes, and it’s those shades of rebellion that paint all over “Don’t Wanna Lose,” from the band’s ensembles to the foggy backdrops.
Of all the awesome things going on in this clip, our favorite part has got to be when all three women—Timony, drummer Laura Harris and bassist Betsy Wright—do the pony and other syncopated dance moves while wearing bobby socks and Mary Janes. It takes a real fashion risk-taker to pull off stockings with an open-toe shoe, but these ladies carry off the look without a hitch.
Ex Hex definitely have a flair for video homages, which can be seen in their Russ Meyer-esque clip for “Waterfall,” the first single of Rips.
Check out Ex Hex when they hit the road this winter and spring. A complete list of tour dates can be found on the band’s site.
Oh, and if you haven’t seen Ladies And Gentlemen: The Fabulous Stains, you should be ashamed… or at least add it to your Netflix queue.
