Hockey – Mind Chaos

It’s not very often I’ll actually make the effort to listen to an album or a song by request. Definitely not because I don’t want to. It just gets overwhelming sometimes with everything that comes my way and everything that I want to listen to. Plus, I’m just lazy. Every once and awhile, I’ll feel the passion behind someone’s request and I can’t help but to drop everything and see what the deal is. This last request came in the form of Hockey‘s Mind Chaos from a fellow Strokes and Tokyo Police Club fan. With a résumé like that, I had to give it a run through.

The album is reminiscent of the same happy, jumpy vibe of Vampire Weekend and the funky, synthy sounds of the Rapture or Goose. They keep classy and even straight old school at times. With songs like “Learn to Lose,” which brings back the nostalgic feelings of listening to the Beatles, and “Four Holy Photos” satisfying the folky, Bob Dylan side.

These guys really explore the depths of music, which is apparent in the variance of all the songs. Every song has something different to say and a different chord to strike. Most of which are really upbeat and uplifting. This album recognizes the ups and downs of life, yet understands that you’ve got to dance through it. A very approachable album that gets better with each listen.

9.0/10

Tracklist

1. Too Fake
2. 3 AM Spanish
3. Learn to Lose
4. Work
5. Song Away
6. Curse This City
7. Wanna Be Black
8. Four Holy Photos
9. Preacher
10. Put the Game Down
11. Everyone’s the Same Age