Introducing: Hockey
It’s pretty safe to assume that your introduction to a band should never come in the form of remixes of their original songs. You’re lining yourself up for one of two things:
a) disappointment because you thought the remixes were rad and their original stuff doesn’t hold up, or
b) disappointment because the remixes were super annoying and you never get the chance to fall in love with how great their music really is.
Basically, try to avoid introducing yourself to Hockey the way I introduced myself to Hockey.
Their remixes of “Too Fake” and “3 am Spanish” are alright, but the gold is in Hockey’s original tracks, most specifically in their lyrics. Sometimes Benjamin Grubin’s lyrics are so obvious and simple, they’re poetic. I mean: I made the money, but the money made me? I’m not sure that references to selling out get much more fun than that. If you need a party soundtrack, Hockey’s debut album, Mind Chaos, can get the job done, even despite the fact that the words behind the songs are sometimes way too sophisticated for beer pong and keg stands.
… I see flannel. And a gang of cyclists. And an gratuitous rocking out in a forest.
Hockey are definitely a band straight out of Portland, Oregon. (Being from my home state may or may not earn a band bonus points…)
For a free download of the song “3 am Spanish,” visit Hockey’s official website.
For more information on Hockey and their upcoming tour dates with Friendly Fires visit myspace.com/hockey.