Vexx

In the early 2010s, Olympia punk outfit Vexx set out to overwhelm listeners with piercing sonic chaos, raw physical force, and an unfiltered stance. Manic vocalist Maryjane Dunphe, guitarist Mike Liebman, drummer Corey Rose Evans, and bassist Aaron Larson formed the unit, merging the Avengers’ intensity with the early Wipers’ sharp guitar assault and propelling everything forward through a brutal, cocky thrust. Their first vinyl outing arrived as the eight-song self-titled EP on Grazer Records in 2014. The initial pressing of 500 copies sold out, leading M’Lady’s in the U.S. and Upset the Rhythm in the U.K. to issue a remastered version later that year.

Larson departed soon afterward, with Ian Corrigan taking over bass as the group increased its live activity and studio work. Katorga Works released the Give and Take 7" in mid-2015. While Vexx maintained a steady schedule of performances, Evans also joined G.L.O.S.S. and Dunphe launched her electronic pop duo CC Dust, which put out a self-titled EP in mid-2016. Later that year the band issued its second EP, Wild Hunt, recorded at Dub Narcotic after the conclusion of their demanding 2015 European tour. M’Lady’s and Upset the Rhythm again co-released the record.