By Brendan Barnes, Staff Writer
Don’t be fooled by the release date of Oregon-based band Hockey’s debut album “Mind Chaos.” Although the label reads 2009, the songs on this album are thoroughly grounded in the dance music of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, which is not to say the band is completely withdrawn from the current music scene.
The influence of Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys is most apparent in the dance floor oriented nature of most of the songs on “Mind Chaos.” The catchy and witty lyrics married to danceable beats are reminiscent of MGMT, and lead vocalist Ben Grubin shows tinges of The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas and Spoon’s Britt Daniel. Grubin, unlike several of his peers, focuses less time on cutting a highbrowed, literate figure—and rightly so—in favor of crafting smart, memorable hooks and catchy melodies.
“Mind Chaos,” though, sounds as if it would have been more at home in the ‘80s than in 2009. Regardless, Hockey’s ability to reinvent the dance scene of the ‘80s, along with a knack for songwriting, makes this album worth several listens. The album’s lead single, “Too Fake,” is a song every band wishes it could release. Grubin’s commanding vocals switch between powerful choruses and quasi-asides. The rhythm sections provide the groove, with machine-like drums holding up the guitars and synth. The track “Song Away” showcases Grubin’s acknowledgement of the band’s ‘80s roots. His vocals are reminiscent of Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen, and the rhythm section shows at times a tinge of The Bangles. Grubin claims “I want to write a truthful song over an ‘80s groove,” and it’s hard not to imagine him winking as he signs the lyric. The band is most indebted to the ‘80s, however, on the track “Learn to Lose,” which makes an excellent case for being a hit single. Grubin’s dynamic vocals shoot out from an infectious beat, resulting in the most stellar song of the album. An unexpected gem, the acoustic “Four Holy Photos,” anchors the back end of the album and acts as an intermission in an album suffused with dance rhythms.
What is strange is that, although Hockey is based in Portland, Oregon, the majority of their fan base is in England. In recent years, the band has spent much time playing venues in Britain, and the influence of Britain shows in the dance/art-rock style the band has cultivated. With “Mind Chaos,” Hockey has the potential to tap into the American market. With songs like “Too Fake” and “Learn to Lose,” Hockey’s debut album can, with proper promotion, undoubtedly secure the band a spot high up in the charts. And if their music itself isn’t enough, the band relentlessly tours, so don’t be surprised to see them promoting the album themselves in the near future.
(Album cover courtesy of smahut.com)
