Hail Social

Philadelphia's indie rock outfit Hail Social brings together Davye Hawk on vocals and guitar, Matt Maraldo behind the drums, Dan Henry on bass, and Richie Roxas handling guitar. The group's origins trace back to a workplace encounter that sparked a friendship between Hawk and Maraldo. Both shared an eagerness to create music, yet the reserved and self-conscious Hawk hesitated to unveil the songs he had written over many years. Persistent encouragement finally prompted the pair to launch the project that evolved into Hail Social. Adding Henry and Roxas to the lineup, the band laid down four demos along with a 7" single before teaming with producer Brian McTear, known for his work with matt pond PA, Lefty's Deceiver, and the Trouble with Sweeney, to track their first full-length release. Polyvinyl put out the self-titled album in the summer of 2005, showcasing an infectious dance-oriented style reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party. Performances alongside the Secret Machines and Interpol carried into the autumn months. Two years afterward came the follow-up, the disco-inflected Modern Love & Death.