Every Wednesday, the ugly hug shares a playlist personally curated by an artist/band that we have been enjoying. This week we have a collection of songs put together by Vermont/Chicago-based artist Hannah Frances.

Last month, Frances released her latest album, Nested in Tangles, a project rooted in sincere articulation as she unravels the various distinct knots that have become too tight around her. Highlighted throughout is her guitar work, tapping like bugs in a glass jar, gently caught, culminating curiosity towards the most minute details of her abilities. Although at times wild, playing to pattern shifts and divine accent points, France’s vocals are freeing, like the wisp of smoke from a candle just blown out, that make these songs feel nothing but natural. Following the release of 2024’s LP Keeper of the Shepard, Frances leans into more brash, unpredictable instrumentation, diving deeper into her avant folk voicings that fall into step amongst sharp jazz stylings, heavy distortion and pronounced sonic strain. But through it all, Nested in Tangles showcases an artist invigorated to try something new, taking the good with the bad, as those knots begin to loosen.

The theme of this playlist is Nested in Tangles inspiration / What Hannah was listening to when making the album.

Listen to her playlist HERE!

You can listen to Nested in Tangles out everywhere now, as well as purchase it on vinyl and CD.

Written by Shea Roney | Photo Courtesy of Hannah Frances and Fire Talk