“COYOTE” BY HAIRPIN IS A DREAMY INDIE ROCK HIT
Hairpin needs to be on a lineup with The Strokes, like yesterday. “Coyote” sounds like an evolution of favorite tracks on the record “80s Comedown Machine.” It is genuinely surprising that Julian Casablancas has not invited the group to open for a show personally.
“Coyote” is a Hairpin set staple, and it is clear from the first couple of seconds why that is the case. The thing that made a lot of classic indie rock, especially NYC indie rock, stick with everyone for this many years is the immaculate guitar work. Indie rock guitar has a tone and playing style that I can’t quite describe with simple words. There’s a reason the genre is fused between the two; “Coyote” is more rock-leaning, giving it a dignified edge.
I was also reminded instantly of a Bay Area favorite of mine, Ultra Q, who take some pages from Casablancas’ (and especially Albert Hammond Jr.’s) playbook. The guitar playing style, and especially the solo at the bridge, are elements of that band that I fell in love with– I can imagine Hairpin similarly becoming a staple in my rotation because of these factors. Expert use of the whammy bar (and is that a wah, too?) simply seals the deal for me.
Hairpin’s bio states that, “meticulous in the way they refine their sounds and ideas to represent the extremes of what makes records good.” That is exactly how I felt listening to each layer in the song. It got me thinking so hard that I started writing this review in first-person…my reviews are never in first-person.
Find this track and others on Get Some Magazine’s constantly updated February 2023 playlist on Spotify! Click HERE for the goods!