Flatlines (Interlude) — The Hails

Artist: The Hails

Title: Flatlines (Interlude)

Year: 2020

Composers: Robbie Kingsley, Franco Solari, Dylan McCue, Andre Escobar, & Zach Levy

Producer: Franco Solari

Genre: Indie Rock

Unlike most of my selections, this is a short piece, at a length of only 1:17 minute. The Hails is a local Florida band, made up of group of friends from college. I first watched them perform at a live concert for another local band that I enjoy and fell in love with their music ever since. Though this selection has a brief inclusion of lyrics (0:55-0:58), the lyrics are warped and highly edited so the main focus is not on the words they are saying. Rather, this is a transition from their song Heartbeat to Younger.

Bassist Dylan McCue compared this piece to "LSD" as it creates a hazy, colorful, and whimsical ambiance. Andre Escobar, the second bassist, described it as a "breath of fresh air" since it allows listeners to reflect on the previous songs on the EP. These perspectives highlight the experience of America's younger generations. Many, though not all, resort to drugs as an escape from reality, to calm the nerves of our hectic lives.

Connection to Playlist

Flatlines follows a 7-minute song on my playlist, so its shortness felt fitting. I also think it serves as a transition into next week's topic of songs relating to love. In the context of "Gold," this piece is that whimsical part in life, the guilty pleasures that make life more enjoyable. That said, addiction is not to be taken lightly and I do not condone the misuse of any drug. For resources, consider this site.

Resources

Morgan Goldwich, The Hails' Debut EP "He Seems Upset" Is the Soundtrack of Growing Up, https://www.rowdymagazine.com/post/the-hails-debut-ep-he-seems-upset-is-the-soundtrack-of-growing-up.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA's National Helpline, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

The Hails, Flatlines (Interlude), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVgD71wcW3o&pp=ygUSdGhlIGhhaWxzIGZsYXRsaW5l.