Technically it’s not correct to call Frances Quinlan’s upcoming album Likewise her solo debut — Hop Along actually started as a solo project for the Philadelphia-based musician. However, the new album, which is out January 31, 2020 on Saddle Creek is the first album she’s releasing under her own name. Today, she’s announced the release of that album as well as the first single, a quirky, introspective and catchy indie pop tune called “Rare Thing.”

Quinlan worked with her Hop Along bandmate Joe Reinhart on the album, which was recorded at The Headroom in Philadelphia, PA. The album features an array of instrumentation, giving the music a full and well-rounded sound which is quite clear on the new song “Rare Thing.” Instruments such as synthesizers, digital beats, harps, strings and keyboards make their way into the mix on Likewise. The album cover is a self-portrait by Quinlan. The album concludes with a cover of a Built to Spill classic, “Carry The Zero” from Keep It Like A Secret.

When Quinlan first started Hop Along, it was known by the longer moniker Hop Along, Queen Ansleis. She released one album under that title before shortening it to simply Hop Along and shortly after the band gained a big underground following after the release of their Saddle Creek debut, Painted Shut. In 2018 they released their fourth album, Bark Your Head Off, Dog, gaining the Philadelphia band even further accolades.

Likewise track list

1. Piltdown Man
2. Your Reply
3. Rare Thing
4. Detroit Lake
5. A Secret
6. Went to LA
7. Lean
8. Now That I’m Back
9. Carry the Zero (Built To Spill cover)

Frances Quinlin Tour Dates

01/19 – Chicago, IL – Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Sleeping Village
03/01 – San Francisco, CA – Noise Pop at Swedish American Music Hall
03/03 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir
03/05 – Seattle, WA – Columbia City Theater
03/12 – Los Angeles, CA – Pico Union Project
03/14 – San Diego, CA – Casbah