Indie kids now get to have their own version of "New Rules," as The Hails has released their own groovy, unapologetic Dump-Him anthem, "Exonerate."
Upon first listen, the newest single of the Florida-based 5-piece reminisces of coffee house jams, with rings of iconic indie rock favorites from the early 2010s; but "Exonerate" is a spicy one in nature. Alternating with a sassy, not-so-subtle creeping guitar riff, lead singer Robbie Kingsley sings the lines with ease: "I won't tell you I don't like it / I don't want to tell you I don't buy it / I don't want to stop you now from trying / But you never seem to get it right." Frankly, these borderline passive aggressive advice are hard pills to swallow, but they just might be the truth about that one friend needs to hear about their horrible boyfriend.
Produced by Magdalena Bay's Matt Levin, "Exonerate" unveils a new era for The Hails. Rather than a stylistic departure from the 2021 project, Alive in Strange Ways, "Exonerate" carries a similar nonchalant attitude through the band's signature jazzy bass line and ear-gripping guitar riffs. If anything, "Exonerate" may just be a bit more in-your-face and confident, with a glaze of rock polishing up top in the production. It's a little less dreamy, with just the same amount of glittery glamour that carries throughout their discography, "Exonerate" feels like an older sister version of The Hails.
