Ex Hex, an all-female power trio based in Washington, D.C., released their debut album “Rips” on Oct. 7. Like “riot grrrl” punk rockers Bikini Kill, who once called the nation’s capital home, the record pulses with cathartic joy.

Through the frenetic 12-track release, the group demonstrates a penchant for catchy riffs and having fun despite the bad boys and thieves that come along for the ride.

“You took me to a party and you hid behind a door/Then you stole my wallet out and passed out on the kitchen floor,” guitarist Mary Timony, most recently of super group Wild Flag, croons on “Waterfall.” 

Album-opener “Don’t Wanna Lose” sets the feverish tone of the record. Timony refuses to let a cheater get the best of her, confessing “I’m not gonna stay down/Goodbye to the dark days that surround.” 

Infectious riffs and catchy choruses permeate the record, and “Rips” plays like the album of the summer that came two months too late. 

The record, recorded in just two weeks, is concise and pays homage to ‘70s glam-rock and power pop artists such as Joan Jett. Influences aside, the album maintains the group’s own original swagger.