If you're one of our lucky readers that have followed my album reviews over the years, you might think that this album is a strange pick for me. First and foremost, this is a Portland band, and everyone knows that Oregonians are the sworn enemies of Washingtonians. Secondly, this is an electro-pop band, or new wave band, whatever you want to call it. And I'm not usually a fan of electronic-heavy rock bands, personally.

So what is it about this band that keeps me coming back? For serious. These guys almost sound like a top 40 band, and there's even times when it sounds like white boy rap, one of my most hated music genres. It's up there with rap rock.

I guess when it comes down to it, the ambiguously-named band Hockey just writes some damn catchy songs that are interesting enough to keep me from turning my iPod's click wheel. Take track one, "Too Fake". That little ditty is a mini masterpiece of aggression, indifference, and style. It sounds like The Strokes and LCD Soundsystem had a little baby and named it Phoenix.

These songs may not last me all year long, but for now, this is a light, hypnotic album that's got more hooks than a fishing store. Yeah, I made that previous line up all by myself. You can have it if you want it.

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written by Giang Cao - Editor, March 11, 2010

The Strokes? LCD Soundsystem? Phoenix?! I think I just peed a bit.

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