Back when Death by Sexy first appeared in D.C.–showcasing music that resembled a bizarre mixture of The Ramones during their gutsier anthems, Motorhead and The Misfits, if they had sung about traveling the universe impregnating groupies with their rock–the band started out playing the smaller D.C. venues, like Staccato and Velvet Lounge, and during their shows you might have heard some hipsters laugh. The laughs were usually uneasy because they weren’t sure if they were getting the concept – is it a joke or are they serious? Well, folks, here it is: Death By Sexy is all about loud, sweaty rock. Period. Once you understand that, their upcoming EP Big Hit makes perfect sense.

The band consists of J.R. on guitar and vocals and Dex on drums and vocals, and overall the production of the record sounds great. You might think that only in the studio could DXS lay down as many tracks as they want to get a fuller sound, but as a two-piece they manage to pull off the big rock sound even during their shows. In fact, if there is one complaint about Big Hit, it’s that the level of energy peaks at the start and never lets off, resulting in rock, more rock and even more rock. That doesn’t mean DXS should start writing power ballads. Please, no. That would push the band into the joke category. At about 20 minutes, Big Hit never overstays its welcome, so too much rock is such a minor complaint.

The track “Blow My Mind” starts off the CD at a decent speed, increasing in intensity at each passing minute before collapsing in a frenzy of drums and guitar.“You’re a Big Hit With Everybody” and album closer “Leave Me Out” sound like something born in the New York City underground circa 1977, with the tough guy refrains thrown in haphazardly. “I’m Gonna Make You Cry” pushes glam rock into the faster, harder category. And “There’s Someone Else Inside You Tonight” ... Well, the title says it all.

It's hard not to like an album that doesn't take itself too seriously, and the band makes it pretty clear that their agenda is to rock you, pure and simple. These days, DXS are playing larger venues like the Black Cat and gathering rave reviews from the Washington media. Big Hit should push that momentum forward for the band. Now if only they could do something about Eagles of Death Metal stealing using their name to release an album bordering on unlistenable.

Death By Sexy will hold a CD release party for Big Hit at the Black Cat mainstage on Aug. 11, with Washington Social Club and the Dance Party