Hop Along - Painted Shut
Critic Score
Based on 15 reviews
2015 Ratings: #42 / 1021
User Score
Based on 360 ratings
2015 Rank: #138
Liked by 26 people
May 5, 2015 / Release Date
LP / Format
Saddle Creek / Label
Indie Rock / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

94
Sputnikmusic

These little flashes of songwriting ingenuity are too numerous to count on Painted Shut, and they make each listen into something exciting.

91
A.V. Club

Unfortunately for some, Painted Shut signals the end of Hop Along’s tenure as a little-known buzz band. For everyone else, it’s the sound of being welcomed to the party.

90
AllMusic

It's easy to sound hyperbolic when describing the impact of Quinlan's voice, but she really does prove herself to be among the most captivating rock singers of her generation on Painted Shut. That her vocals are very nearly equaled by the music and the subject matter makes this album a notable one.

90
Exclaim!
There is no voice in popular music right now that quite comes close to the elastic immediacy of that of Hop Along's Frances Quinlan.
85
Spectrum Culture

Hop Along’s new album, Painted Shut, is one of the most bracing rock albums in years because it avoids condescending to listeners’ notions of being young adults, even though in the process it captures far more of twenty-something life than just about any other group working today.

83
Consequence of Sound

In short, the band has range, and Painted Shut is often rewarding musically.

80
NME
The second album from this perky Philadelphia quartet delivers big on drama and emotion with Frances Quinlan’s voice taking turns between an abrasive snarl and a smooth croon.
80
SPIN

Hop Along’s thrilling sophomore effort plays out like sonic arrhythmia — it seems impossible that Frances Quinlan could successfully quaver through such a variety of highs and lows without being sent into cardiac arrest.

80
DIY
If this outstanding record doesn’t wake everyone else up, nothing on earth will.
80
Rolling Stone
What's up with Philly lately? The most-mocked city in indie rock is suddenly bustling with fantastic young guitar bands like Hop Along. Their second album is a deep dive into raw emotions and ragged melodies.
80
The Needle Drop
Hop Along delivers a series of indie rock tunes with some serious vocal power.
79
Pitchfork
For as bullish and dramatic as the music seems, the songs here often escalate for several minutes before making a point you think they’ve already made, like a series of false floors that open to bigger and bigger rooms.
78
Paste

Although Hop Along’s lyrical content can be heavy at times, Painted Shut’s tracks are well-balanced between catchy indie pop with an edge and more discordant fare.

75
The Line of Best Fit

With an astounding amount of detail placed in each track, Painted Shut is a labour of love. It’s hard-hitting, but behind every tightly honed riff lies a bubbling sense of optimism, and these songs are as resonant as they come.

BGL13
84

pride month day 8
damn frances quinlan has an amazing voice. obviously that’s not the only good thing about this album. the instrumentals and production are really pleasant and the lyrics are really well written and i really like their conversational and storytelling vibe. but, their voice is what makes this album so special.their voice is so charming and unique and it just can’t be compared to anything else i’ve ever heard. it’s one of those voices that isn’t ... read more

hellodecatur
86

Back in 2015 I remember initially holding a grudge against this album because it came out the same day as Sprinter by Torres and kind of stole that album's thunder in terms of press, but after one listen I was like "Ok yeah I get the hype." The expanse of material here is so hooky and filled with personality that lead single "Waitress" honestly winds up being one of the less-interesting songs. "I Saw My Twin," seemingly a retelling of the song's story from the ... read more

Jlepileo03
83

An emotionally impactful set of indie rock songs, with the female vocals just gliding through many of these tracks.

SEIS
35

Blandy ass garbage.

tomneedsaglass
63

The worst Hop Along album by a lot. “Waitress” is the only song that ultimately really really grabbed me, a few others were pretty good, the rest really fell short.

90

holy shit so good! powerful and emotional and beautiful. sister cities is maybe my favorite song ever

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Added on: March 9, 2015