Hail Social was a quartet rock band from Philadelphia, US… Read Full Bio ↴(? - 2007)
Hail Social was a quartet rock band from Philadelphia, USA.
Their self-titled debut is brand new to the world, though it feels old to them, of course. It all started with the chance workplace friendship of Dayve Hawk and Matt Maraldo. Hawk had been writing songs for years but was reluctant to share them. Eager to start a band, Maraldo kept on pestering. “We fought a lot because I didn’t want to be in a band,” says Hawk. “But eventually he won.”
Good thing, too. Otherwise we’d have missed out on Hail Social’s lithe, dance-damaged tunes. The same tunes that scored the band a prime opening slot on tour with Interpol and the Secret Machines. The same tunes that will haunt you more persistently with each spin of the band’s long-awaited proper debut.
Following four demos and a 7-inch, the album was recorded in Philly with producer Brian McTear (Burning Brides, matt pond PA). The lineup goes like this: Hawk handles guitar and vocals, Maraldo plays drums, and Dan Henry plays bass, with Richie Roxas playing second guitar live. “Hands Are Tied” introduces the band perfectly, with Hawk’s meticulous melodies riding that sleek wave of a rhythm section. Like every song that follows, it’s lean and brisk, bearing not one superfluous note. But wait. There’s something sinister brewing under those bouncy bass lines. On “Repetition,” it’s the sting of regret as Hawk sings, “It all just adds up to our lives” and later, “But you can never bring back what you let go.” Rarely has paranoia and frustration been so danceable. “Come Out Tonight” is all teen isolation and endless nights, where the only escape is your favorite song. Then there’s the angry defeat of “Feeling is Wrong” – “Don’t fight / Don’t try / You don’t get to decide tonight.”
Lyrics like those might explain why Hawk needed coaxing to take his songs beyond the bedroom. “I’m definitely the anti-social guy,” he says, noting the irony of the band’s name. Hawk is still half-wedded to the solitude of songwriting, recording all the songs in demo form at home before the bandmates enter the fray. “I played to the strengths of this band” on this record, says Hawk, “especially the rhythm section, which is why things are so sparse and stripped down.” That’s also why Hail Social comes off a bit like the propulsive post-punk that is so fashionable these days, although Hawk’s smooth singing and festering lyrics recall ’90s indie rock mainstay Versus more than anything.
“I do like a lot of those bands, some more than others,” Hawk admits. “I like Wire a lot. But I wouldn’t say they’re nearly as much of an influence as people presume.” His tastes actually run more toward electro and funk, from Michael Jackson to Daft Punk to Prince. Hawk says he envisions Hail Social as “like ‘80s roller-skating music played by a metal band.” Hmmm. Maybe that’ll make more sense once we hear the band’s second album, which is already in the can. Then, again, maybe not.
Repetition
Hail Social Lyrics
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when I had the chance now
it all just adds up to a lot
Oh, I know
She was the one dissatisfied
couldn't hold it back but tried
I gave up and turned away
the feeling has changed
but you can never bring back what you let go
but you can never bring back what you let go
she had everything she ever wanted
I should have said these things to you
when I had the chance now
it all just adds up to a lot
Oh, I know
the feeling has changed
but you can never bring back what you let go
but you can never bring back what you let go
but you can never bring back what you let go
but you can never bring back what you let go
she had everything she ever wanted
The lyrics to Hail Social's song Repetition speak of regret and missed opportunities in a past relationship. The singer admits that they should have expressed certain things to their partner when they had the chance, but now it is too late. The accumulation of missed opportunities has resulted in a lot of regret. The second verse describes the partner as dissatisfied, but the singer couldn't hold back and eventually gave up and turned away. However, now the singer recognizes that their feelings have changed, but they cannot bring back what they let go. The final line of the chorus acknowledges that the partner had everything she ever wanted.
The song's lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and emotional vulnerability, depicting the pain of regret in relationships. The overarching theme centers on missed opportunities and the loss of love that comes with them.
Overall, the lyrics of Repetition illustrate the importance of not taking relationships for granted and of expressing your feelings when the opportunity arises. The song's emotional depth and relatability make it a powerful piece of music that speaks to the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I should have said these things to you
Regretting not being able to express one's emotions in the past.
when I had the chance now
Reflecting on missed opportunities to communicate.
it all just adds up to a lot
The weight of unspoken words and emotions.
Oh, I know
A resigned acknowledgement of the situation.
She was the one dissatisfied
Acknowledgement of the other person's dissatisfaction.
couldn't hold it back but tried
Efforts to prevent the other person's discontent were made but ultimately failed.
I gave up and turned away
Admitting to giving up on the relationship.
Oh but now...
Realizing the severity of the situation.
the feeling has changed
There has been a shift in emotions.
but you can never bring back what you let go
Once something is lost, it can never be regained.
she had everything she ever wanted
Acknowledging the person had everything they desired.
but you can never bring back what you let go
Reiterating the finality of missed opportunities.
but you can never bring back what you let go
It cannot be emphasized enough that what is lost is gone forever.
but you can never bring back what you let go
A final reminder of the irreversibility of the situation.
Contributed by Claire W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.