Hexes & Ohs Are Bedroom Disco

Montreal's Hexes & Ohs are metaphorical heartbreakers. The electronic pop duo of Edmund Lam and Heidi Donnelly may have been high school sweethearts, but they still know how to flirt. And even better, their recently released Bedroom Madness inspires all-night dance parties.

"I read a review of some lo-fi electro album a couple of years ago that used the term 'bedroom disco,' and it always stuck with me," says Lam.

"When it came time to name the album, we wanted something to represent the dichotomy in our music: the shy and sincere pop side versus the outwardly expressive dancey side. We felt Bedroom Madness was fitting."

Bedroom Madness is a 15-track exploration of matters of the heart — relationships, heartbreaks, jealousy and ambition — infused with feel-good vibes and explosive dance beats. Part Postal Service, part Sloan, the band echo days gone by of Halifax-infused pop musicality.

Hexes & Ohs worked with producer Byron Wong (David Usher, Beck) on the album.

"It was the first time we've ever worked with outside help, and so it was a bit scary but liberating to have certain parts of the process beyond our immediate control," Lam says.

"We developed a great relationship with Byron Wong, our producer. We're quite good friends now, too. He opened our minds."

It's been more than a decade since the kissing and hugging twosome were once called Jolly Bean. They both finally feel as though they're getting closer to the music they've always dreamed of making.

Lam describes their latest incarnation as a stepping stone to what's to come. He wants to create "something that grabs you melodically, connects on an emotional level and is smart enough to stand the test of time."

Hexes & Ohs will play Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday at 1:10 a.m. as part of the annual CHARTattack/Horseshoe/Canadian Music Week showcase.

Here are Hexes & Ohs' other shows:

March 12 Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club w/Sloan and Will Currie & The Country French (CMW)
April 5 Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques (Leukemia Foundation fundraiser)
April 30 Montreal, QC @ Jupiter Room w/Sister (Indie Montreal Fest)