I Like This Song from Australia's Hockey Dad

Photo: Ian Laidlaw

"Jump the Gun"

I've been obsessing a lot on photography lately -- reading about lenses, trying to come up with ideas for shooting film. It's involved lots of reading and falling into the rabbit hole of YouTube videos, and I've fallen behind in some of the reviews and posts I've been thinking about getting out the door. It's always fun when something I like pops into my inbox as I'm struggling to work up a few things. That happened just a few minutes ago with the new single from Wollongong, Australia duo, Hockey Dad.

Hockey Dad were one of the bands I wanted to see at South By Southwest back in March, but our paths never crossed. I think they actually played inside at Sidewinder while I was watching Fear Of Men on the outside stage, but I didn't find out until it was too late. Oh well. Missed it by that much.

Yesterday, the band premiered "Jump the Gun" over at Consequence of Sound. The song is off of their upcoming Boronia which is due August 12th from Brooklyn's Kanine Records, a label which has put out several records I love from bands like Surfer Blood, Eternal Summers, Expert Alterations, Beach Day, Beverly, and Fear of Men. The song is sunny, jangly pop that reflects the coastal childhood shared by Zach Stephenson (guitars / vocals) and Billy Fleming (drums). Lines like "Somewhere it's summer" and "I don't wanna go home" give you an idea of what the guys are going for here. "Jump the Gun" is also reminiscent of Hockey Dad's Kanine label mates, Surfer Blood.

Check the song below. You'll be able to catch Hockey Dad when they return to the US on a tour that brings them to Philly's Boot and Saddle on August 30th and Brooklyn's Rough Trade on September 1st.