Frances Quinlan

Frances Quinlan is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has also been the frontperson of the indie rock band Hop Along. They have a distinct songwriting style where they build their melodies in longer stretches, putting together a musical narrative in a Joni Mitchell-like fashion, rather than locking on to a catchy phrase and ride it to the end. Their vocal delivery also has shades of Mitchell, particularly in their phrasing and use of quick jumps. Quinlan's songs are not necessarily soft and gentle, but they have a small, intimate feel about them. They also introduce a cynical tone just enough so that it does not get in the way. Their arrangements are clean and uncomplicated. The originality of her melodic flow appears as the main focus of their music.