Soak up Hop Along’s six minute song “Prior Things” in all its glory

Hop Along | photo by Tonje Thilesen | courtesy of the artist

The beginning of the new song “Prior Things” makes you pause and think “Whoa, this is Hop Along?” But by now we should be used to the band throwing unexpected twists and turns our way — and when Frances Quinlan starts to sing about fifteen seconds in, there’s no mistaking that this is Philly’s favorite band in full force.

“Prior Things” is the closing track from Hop Along’s forthcoming album Bark Your Head Off, Dog, out April 6 via Saddle Creek. We’ve previously heard the catchy and concise “How Simple” and the ups-and-downs journey that is “Not Abel,” but this new track really seals the deal that the new album will be something truly special. (Like, prepare yourself for many repeat listens in the very near future.)

Hop Along has graced us with a lyric video for “Prior Things” so we can fully soak up the almost six-minute new song in all its glory. Listen below as Quinlan explores power and possibilities in breathless spurts: “Why don’t I try, why don’t I try to make you mine? Why is a lack of imagination the crime? … So when you finally go, when you choose to go I resume my little lower road.”

Hop Along plays a hometown show at Union Transfer on May 19. Find more information on the XPN Concert Calendar and consider snagging tickets before they’re gone.