FFO: Alvvays, Great Grandpa, Lucy Dacus, Lemony Rug
We have featured Philly’s Special Hug a number of times on Start-Track, ever since Filip first wrote about their debut single “Luna Moth” two years ago. They return with the single “How American Of Me”, which they describe on Instagram as “a dreamy fairy grunge song about the nightmare of pretending to be someone you’re not.” It’s a solid indie pop banger, with John Quimbo’s shoegazey guitars and Faith Pak’s soft vocals providing passion over them. The political subtext is an interesting spin on a song about timid romance. After all, what’s more American than masking vulnerability, whether it works or not? As Faith Pak sings: “But even when I lie, the truth shows on my face/The truth I can’t escape, is this just a bad dream/How American of me”.
Joining Special Hug on “How American Of Me” are Kevin Quimbo on guitar, Yen Griffey Jr. on bass, Sammy DeSantos on drums, and Mary Quimbo on organ. The band set out on their first-ever tour this fall; you can learn more about their antics and upcoming music on Instagram.
Written by Will Sisskind
