From Rennes, France, comes a new punk trio EX-ACTION!, who have just released their first recording – Demo 2026. The four-track demo came out a few days ago and features “Nevermore,” “Wishy-washy,” “Week in, Week Out” and “Clockwork Doll.”
EX-ACTION! are a classic three-piece consisting of Audrey (drums, vocals), Nounours (bass) and So (guitar). The band draws primarily from classic British punk of the 1980s, but they are certainly not afraid of other influences either. Their first demo delivers energetic punk built around melodic guitars, distinctive female vocals and a healthy dose of punk attitude.
The recording is also interesting from a lyrical point of view. “Nevermore” plays with motifs from Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem The Raven, while “Wishy-washy” takes aim directly at people without opinions or character who change their attitudes depending on the situation. “Week in, Week Out” captures the endless cycle of the working week and weekend escape.
The lyrics to “Clockwork Doll” are packed with words such as devotchka, droogs, ultraviolence, gulliver and tolchocks, making its connection to the world of A Clockwork Orange pretty clear.
Demo 2026 is currently available digitally, and EX-ACTION! are also preparing a cassette release. It’s definitely a strong calling card for a debut, and if you’re into old-school British punk in the vein of Vice Squad or Action Pact!, EX-ACTION! are well worth checking out.
