Hop Along‘s Frances Quinlan has made a name for herself as one of the most prominent songwriters with one of the most distinct and inimitable voices in the indie rock space over the past decade. Today the Philadelphia-based musician announces her stunning solo album Likewise. While Hop Along began as Quinlan’s solo project (originally titled Hop Along, Queen Ansleis), Likewise is Quinlan’s debut under her own name.
Recorded with bandmate Joe Reinhart at The Headroom, Likewise sees Quinlan tap into new sounds. “Working with Joe on this made me able to better see that the guitar is just one vehicle… there are so many others to explore,” Quinlan says on this collaboration, which features synthesizers, digital beats, harps, strings, and a wide variety of keyboards. This newfound openness to sonic exploration echoes the sentiments of Likewise, which is a gorgeous rumination about the universal struggles of communication and connection between human beings. See below for album artwork, a self-portrait of Quinlan, and tracklisting.
To celebrate the announcement, Quinlan shares the record’s first single “Rare Thing.” About a tumultuous dream about her then-infant niece, “Rare Thing” finds Quinlan musing, “I know there is love that/doesn’t have to do with/taking something from somebody.” Through percussive shifts, rosy bass, and transcendent harps that signal the parting of clouds, Quinlan expresses both joy and sadness in the discovery that a better, and perhaps more generous, way to love exists. Listen to the song now HERE.
Additionally, Quinlan announces a headline tour in support of Likewise. See below to find a show near you, and get your tickets HERE starting Friday, October 25th at 10am PST. More dates to be announced soon.
Likewise will be released on January 31st via Saddle Creek. There will be 250 limited edition marbled sky blue and white vinyl, with two signed screen prints of Frances’ artwork, available exclusively through the Saddle Creek store. Pre-order HERE.
