Hockey Dad returns with 'Rebuild Repeat'

The Australian indie rock duo, Hockey Dad are back again with their 4th studio album 'Rebuild Repeat. Their roots date back to the early 2000s with their first album 'Boronia' in 2016. Vocalist/guitarist Zach Stephenson and drummer Billy Fleming were neighbours and childhood friends who bonded over sports and surfing. When the Windang duo eventually formed a band, they drew from formative influences, Stephenson had grown up listening to his dad’s ’80s Australian rock and punk records, while Fleming preferred ’90s punk for an energetic, modern sound.

Hockey Dad’s 2016 debut, 'Boronia', had no shortage of melodic hooks, and it bore the gleefully raw production of a garage-rock classic. The band subsequently landed in the Top 10 of the Australian album charts with 2018’s Blend Innand 2020’s Brain Candy, with the latter especially recalling the genre-rattling work favoured by Cage the Elephant, The Vines and Superchunk.

Their latest release 'Rebuild Repeat' brings the same vibe as their previous albums, this time with a more refined, surf rock sound with catchy hooks and even catchier choruses.

'Rebuild Repeat' starts with the tracks 'Base Camp', and 'Still Have Room', which naturally sounds like the Hockey Dad we've grown to love. We got a small taste of the album with the previous trio of singles: 'Base Camp', 'Still Have Room',and 'Saftey Pin'.

'Saftey Pin', and 'Wreck & Ruin' continue the surf rock vibes, with their upbeat guitar riffs and catchy choruses to be screamed at festivals for years to come.

"Be my safety pin, click the latchet in. When I fall to bits, you hold my contents in"

'Burning Sand' is a perfect encapsulation of Hockey Dad's ability to mix vibrant instrumentals with introspective lyrics.The song kicks off with a slow melodic intro then instantly into a sunny, carefree tone. As the drums kick in, you can almost feel the warmth of the sand beneath your feet and the salty breeze of the ocean, encapsulating the roots of the duo and their appreciation for surfing, and Stephenson's '80s-inspired Australian rock sound.

Into a slower style for Hockey Dad is 'Backup Plan', showcasing the Australian duo's signature surf rock style, slowing it down and letting us revel in the richness of summer. The song captures the essence of having a backup plan, in case everything else fails. With lyrics reflecting themes of resilience and acceptance, making it a standout addition to the latest album release.

The album concludes with the tracks 'Road Signs', and 'Dancing On The Other Hand', which are quintessential examples of the band's knack for crafting engaging and emotive surf rock anthems. 'Road Signs' is driven by a steady rhythm, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of navigating through the dark with "Illuminating Roadsigns" guiding the way forward.'Dancing On the Other Hand' marks a departure from their typical energetic surf rock sound, embracing a reflective, slow piano ballad that showcases the band's versatility and ability to take on other genres. The song is imbued with a sense ofmelancholy and reflection, driven by tender piano melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Its stripped-back arrangement allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take centre stage, offering listeners a raw and intimate glimpse into the band's softer side.

Hockey Dad's growth and versatility as a band is shown within their new album release 'Rebuild Repeat'. With their signature surf rock sound still intact, Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming have managed to infuse their fourth studio album with a refined edge, producing catchy hooks and memorable choruses that will excite fans new and old. The album's journey from the energetic 'Base Camp' to the slow sounds of 'Dancing On the Other Hand' is one of growth and versatility and a journey to be remembered.