After having their first practice on 06.06.06 and recording an album, along with a few singles and a split release, Austin-based Hex Dispensers have established themselves along the lines of bands like The Marked Men and now-defunct Observers.
Just as in the case of those two, The Hex Dispensers’ sound can be characterized by guitar lines reminiscent of late-70s punk (with The Wipers being one of the prime examples). They can remind the listener of The Ramones and many other punk bands from that era with their sound (specifically an attribute of The Observers and Dispensers) Misfits’ Glenn Danzig-influenced vocal style.
On their second long-play titled “Winchester Mystery House,” The Hex Dispensers continued in this tradition. “Doomsday Romantic,” the opening track, is a solid manifestation of the direction that this full-length will retain all the way through.
Though the lyrics may speak of this romantic in a cynical manner, the band still distinguishes some aspects of sinister themes as romantic. Otherwise, they would effuse a different type of energy. The production here leaves the guitars slightly more punctuated than on their debut and the presence of backing vocals by Alyse Mervosh, the drummer, is much more tangible and adds to the mystique of the album.
Aside from that, “Winchester Mystery House,” stays in the same vein as their previous studio efforts. The turbulent tambourines, the horror and garage punk infused guitar work, all appear on this album as well. The Hex Dispensers pick up the chugging rhythm with the first song and never slow it down. Each number is a heavy, direct hit that is only to be followed by another pounding, nonstop hit.
The musicianship and songwriting are particularly strong on “I’ve Got My Doppelgänger On.” The brooding, bass-driven “Mutiny” is another standout. Last, but not least, The Hex Dispensers’ fine rendition of DEVO’s “Gates of Steel” marks the final note of “Winchester Mystery House.” They manage to make the robotic and synth-poppy original their own with dexterity. Alex Cuervo and Mervosh’s vocal enthusiasm and excitement tops it off.
All in all, this is an entertaining release. The album is out now on Douchemaster Records. If you liked this, then make sure to check out their self-titled debut album, as well as the band’s website to catch a listen to most of the songs listed here at http://www.myspace.com/thehexdispensers.
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