Bad Copy

There’s few things better than being asked to premiere something new from a band you have loved and supported for years. So when we were asked if we wanted to share the news about the newest music video, “Hollywood Beach,” from Chicago queer Garage-Punk band Bev Rage & the Drinks, we about lost our minds!

The band will be releasing their long awaited sophomore LP, entitled Exes & Hexes, on Chicago-based label What’s For Breakfast? Records on August 13th. The album features 11 tracks and the themes range from mental health (“Machines Get Cleaned), queer dating (“Confident”), politics (“Attitude”), and more. The album was written mostly during the pandemic and recorded and produced at Altered States by Brian Fox in 2021.

Exes & Hexes marks an evolution from the Drinks’ earlier work, which was much more lo-fi and bare bones Pop Punk. A fuller sound with layers of guitars, synth, theremin, backing harmonies, and powerful drums dominates this album from start to finish. Beverly Rage, a 7-foot tall drag queen in hair and heels, dug deep to create an album full of heartbreak, revenge, sex, and, of course, the biting humor for which she is known. Exes & Hexes also introduces the talent of Mary Rose “Beef” Gonzales (The Darts, Mystery Actions) on drums and Dan Jarvis (Diagonal, Black Glass) on lead guitar. Long-term “Drink” Sam Westerling rounds out the band on bass and backing vocals.

The record was locally pressed at Chicago’s Smashed Plastic and can be found on “crystal ball purple” vinyl at the band’s big release party which will be held on Saturday, August 13th at Schubas Tavern with amazing locals No Men and xyzxyz! If you’re not in the Chicagoland area, don’t worry. The band plans to tour the Midwest this year and has they eyes set for the East and West Coasts in 2023!

Check out the video for “Hollywood Beach,” shot, directed, and produced by John-Paul Ward, below. You can also order your copy of Exes & Hexes via What’s for Breakfast? Records, or grab your copy at Schuba’s on August 13th!