TRACK: Hockey Dad – ‘I Wanna Be Everybody’

The Australian underground music scene seems familiar to a dark-twisted folklore that we don’t hear of much across the Pacific, but that doesn’t mean it’s any kind of imaginary. The land of Oz boasts a booming, fresh twist on an industry flanked by angst; starring renowned psychedelic artists such as Tame Impala and Jagwar Ma. Ready to make waves amongst this hive of activity are surf-rock duo Hockey Dad.

Ahead of their second album, Blend Inn – which is the follow up to their 2016 debut Boronia – the lifelong friends have released ‘I Wanna Be Everybody’. It’s a whimsical, scuzzy, coming-of-age single about anxious situations with guitarist and one half of Hockey Dad, Zach Stephenson commenting: “It’s about being a bit uncomfortable in scenarios where people just seem so relaxed and worry-free.”

Since Boronia, the pair have had a whirlwind 18 months, touring the globe with their record, alongside support slots with Wavves and Dune Rats. The duo have come a long way since their early days of carving a band out of a friendship found through a mutual admiration of the Simpsons and a love for the New South Wales area that they call home.

Since releasing ‘I Wanna Be Everybody’, there’s been a soft hype of activity, eager for the second album to be upon us. But you needn’t wait long, Blend Inn will be released on LAB Records on Friday 9th February 2018. Set your calendars and dream heavily of the dreamy sound of scuzzy Australian surf-pop.

Words:
Hannah Tinker
@hannahetinker