-Greg’s Take-

You know that scene in the movie Dragnet where Streebek and Friday (Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd) infiltrate the P.A.G.A.N. (People Against Goodness And Normalcy) sacrifice ritual? Imagine for a moment that that scene was being played out to Jesse “The Devil” Hughes’ Emo cousin.

If you’re having difficulty seeing what this would be like, imagine a completely stripped down, almost to the point of humorous, gritty, slurred, sex-fest that tears at the most primitive human instincts in a dimly lit basement or sacrificial pit. Standing under the faint light, bathed in the aroma of stale cigarette smoke and poor ventilation there is a trio of dark clad musicians.

Now it may seem rather strange (especially the Dragnet reference), but through the course of their self-titled EP, Triple Hex paints a mural of lust and bold honesty, by way of strong sexual reference, drenched in dark shadows and unprotected rock.  Dave Hex, Miss Chip and Jill McArthur stand tall with their sound and for that, I must admit, I’m impressed.

Never having been a huge fan of Iggy Pop or The Stooges, I find it rather intriguing that I’ve fallen for such a sound as Triple Hex.  The unadulterated, unabashed delivery of their vision is something that A) you’ll either finding yourself closing the blinds while listening to, or B) something that will soon be outlawed in Utah. Through the thick swamp of borderline offensive music, there is a glimmer of brilliance.

The haunting voice of Mr. Hex echoes through the halls of the self-titled EP. From “Winter” to “Kill” the deeply dark circa late-70s persona created by Triple Hex stands firm with a love it-or-hate it result.

“Viking Funeral” is the closest track to what could possibly be considered appropriate for Clear Channel broadcast. “Love Song” so pleasantly pours out, in great repetition, “I don’t want any love songs/I just want to f**k/I don’t want any love songs/I don’t give a f**k”. There is no sugarcoating Triple Hex. And as the cult-like chanting of “Kill” ends the album, I can’t help but feel as though I need to go sit in a long bath to cleanse myself.  But interestingly enough, by the end, the EP becomes almost anthematic for your inner deviant and somewhere deep inside, you can relate…either that or I need to seek professional help.

Triple Hex is an interpretive dance of humanity in the purest form; the kind of purity some call smut, some call art but both agree is not your everyday sunshine and butterflies. It is that separation that ultimately sets them apart and will leave many disliking their sound, but a few who will thoroughly enjoy it. For me, I actually enjoyed it. There is a deeper art to the EP than meets the eye. And I encourage you to stare into the sacrificial abyss that is Triple Hex and find your meaning.