Hockey Island - Chopping Block

Hockey Island
Chopping Block
Grade: A-

So, your first reaction to the name Hockey Island may be something on the order of - 'well that's an odd name.' 'Do they write songs about playing hockey like the Zambonis?' No, at least not yet. 'Do they live on an island?' Well, sort of - if you count the actual island of Long Island. Initially conceived as an art school endeavor, the present day lineup is about the umpteenth version, but the first serious one. So the name has been passed around a bit and now it has landed with its rightful owners. At the helm of this NYC four-piece is Virat Shukla, guitarist of the Oranges Band (Lookout Records). His duty as lead guitarist and vocalist is to reign in the creative juices of guitarist Greg McKenna, bassist Elena Fox and drummer Matt Petz - all artists in their own right. Several years with the Baltimore-based Oranges has certainly rubbed off Shukla's songwriting on this six song demo. A simple characterization of Hockey Island is the Oranges' foundation but with scores more hooks, melodies and pure indie popness. In that respect, this is probably the best 'demo' I've ever heard and certainly trumps a swift majority of signed indie rock bands. The record starts on "Fire" with a dual guitar buildup to a startling synth hook that creeps in as a bridge throughout the number. But, "Fire" is simply a warm up to one of the best songs I've heard this year - "Two Hippies." My admiration and affection for "Two Hippies" has been independently confirmed both by individual listeners as well as the band's live show audiences. The song itself is about Shukla's parents, but that is secondary to the day-dreaming melodies. "Two Hippies" seduces you in slowly with the verse, then grabs you with the chorus and takes you over the top with the closing. "Two Hippies" is one of the few times you will have reason to use that repeat button on your stereo. "Dark Weather" follows with CCR reminiscent guitars and more solid songwriting love from Shukla - with a highlight on the multi-vocal harmony bridge. "Never Be Mine" has a free flow summertime feel to it, while "I Lost My Voice" echoes Beatles-esque catchy subtleness but with its own signature. The record closes on the lurking "B25 (Everything Twice)" about a WWII pilot fretting over his last mission. One of the appeals of this demo is that each song has its own identity, each burning itself to your memory, yet together they form a cohesive unit. And the best part is that this is just the beginning for Hockey Island. Check them out at www.hockeyislandsings.com