I recently saw Hockey, supported by the Postelles and the Constellations, live at the
Drunken Unicorn in Atlanta. The Drunken Unicorn is a great venue. It’s a hole-in-the-wall place on Ponce de Leon, occupying a small segment of the bottom floor of a large building. It is a hidden gem –there is no sign for the venue, nor do they have a telephone number. Yet once you find the entrance and make your way into the Drunken Unicorn, it is an enchanting place. When you enter, it is easy to confuse the venue with a high school party in your friend’s basement (the capacity for the Drunken Unicorn is only 250), yet upon closer inspection, you will realize that your friend probably doesn’t have multiple pictures (read: headshots) of unicorns adorning the walls. Anyways it’s definitely worth checking out – regardless of whether or not you know the band scheduled to perform.
(^^ Ok so I forgot to take a picture of the venue, i.e. the unicorn portraits on the wall... this should give you an idea...)
The PostellesThe Postelles were the opening opening band of the night and definitely set the tone and set the bar high. For the opening band, they were great! I can’t think of one specific band to compare them to; rather, as I listened to them, I typed into my phone the following notes on their sound:
- Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna to Come”
- Leader singer of Little Joy
- Joseph Levitt-Gordon on karaoke
- Vampire Weekend?
These are the only specifics I can recall from the show. I thoroughly enjoyed their set, including their cover of a Ramones song. I bought their EP after the show and have enjoyed listening to it in the car. However, I must say that I found their studio recordings of their songs to be a bit “cliché” – or even “contrived” – as compared to their live sound. I can’t put my finger on what it is, except to say that their recordings don’t sound as unique – they sound like songs any up-and-coming band could’ve recorded. Their live show, in comparison, is really where you will hear “The Postelles.”
That being said, I’d recommend you buy their EP (it is still great even if it isn’t as good as their live performances) or see them in concert. They will be at Bonnaroo this year!
The Postelles - "Can't Stand Still" LiveThe Postelles - White Night (Free Download)The ConstellationsThe Constellations, a large band from Atlanta, GA – definitely enjoyed their homecoming show. Upon arriving, I was surprised to find a rather packed house for Hockey (considering the band is relatively unknown) – but as soon as the Constellations came on, I realized the reason for the crowd. Most people there were their former high school classmates or family there to support their friends' band.
The Constellations are a rock band made up of anybody and everybody. The lead singer, a plaid-donning Kurt Cobain-esque figure thoroughly enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame with his hometown crew, found it hard to keep his pants pulled up as he downed his beers and whiskeys on stage. To his left stood two girls who provided backup vocals as well as tambourine jangles. These girls were decked out in LBDs (Little Black Dresses) and flower headbands; when we saw them standing around during the Postelles, we thought they were high school girls eager to flirt with band members (and how we were wrong!). One of the guitarists (or bassists?), a younger guy who was actually quite attractive (very cleaned-up as compared to the other male band members) was dressed in skinny jeans, converses, and a plaid shirt – almost more of a university hipster. Another band member (keyboards?) was affectionately nicknamed "WolfPack" by my friend, as he bore a
striking resemblance to none other Alan from the Hangover. The other couple of band members also had their own look. Their discoordination was almost rather confusing. The best analogy I can come up with: in the same way that Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are an eclectic bunch, so are the Constellations. (E.S.&M.Z : folk/hippies :: the Constellations : rock.)
The Constellations have a sound just as eclectic as their band. Their songs were all different from one another. Sometimes I found myself not particularly enjoying their angry rock songs, yet other times I did enjoy their more upbeat, indie sound. You'll just have to check them out for yourself!
Hockey 
HOCKEY! This blog’s name is inspired by a Hockey song - so you must imagine how excited I was to see them live. Hockey was fantastic; their setlist consisted of songs off their debut album “Mind Chaos.” Unfortunately, their set was cut short because the Constellations went over their allotted time; at least once the Constellations finished their set, a few of their fans left, thus freeing up some dancing space in the venue for those of us there to see Hockey.
The lead singer, donning brown leather hunting boots, washed out skinny jeans, an oversized sleeveless-ish white shirt of sorts, and a winter snow cap (?), sang really well – even as he jumped back in surprise in the middle of a song after his mic shocked him. Hockey’s live performance didn't sound widly different than their album, but seeing them perform live was a treat (as live shows tend to be more enjoyable than the monotony and two-dimensional nature of listening to recorded tracks). Perhaps the star of the show was the lead singer. His dancing/movements/mannerisms were at times quite spastic - questionable at worst but entertaining at best. During various instrumental parts of songs, he'd turn away from the mic and pick up large mallets that he’d use to bang on (what I think were) kettle drums. It was like watching a tribal leader leading his troop in rhythm.
Hockey’s songs are not like those of many indie bands today. Many bands today put out songs with obscure and almost existential lyrics that are best left to interpretation and make you wonder how many drugs the band was on when writing the album. Hockey's sound is refreshing and their songs are catchy as hell and the lyrics are actually quite relatable. And the band puts on a great live show!
My favorite moment of the night was dancing and singing along to “Song Away” – especially as I was clearly
the only person in the venue who knew the song that well. I must admit, I was a
tad bit disappointed that this song (and only this song) was almost a bit lackluster live as compared to its sound on the album. Still, it was great. And why not? Oh, tomorrow’s just a song away…
a song away… a song away….
(click above for free download!)
Hockey - "Learn to Lose" Live Hockey - "Too Fake" Live (watch to see the erratic behavior of the lead singer)
Hockey - Work (Free Download)
n you lock a hip-hop producer (Rich Skillz) and a gospel singer (Nikki Leonti) in a studio together? (Although the studio part is questionable - I'd be more inclined to think they recorded on the Soul Train stage or in a 1930's speakeasy based on their sound!) One listen – I’d recommend “Next Best Thing” or “Cat & Mouse” – and you may find yourself thinking, “Where has this song been all my life!?!?!?!?” Nikki & Rich’s debut album “Everything” is set to be released this June; I only hope that a tour will follow the debut because I imagine they must be great live!
together in the end). The sound itself isn’t necessarily novel – these upbeat ambitious (i.e. lovesick-while still-keeping-a-level-head) ballads seem to spring up all the time (re: Apple product commercials anyone? Flashbacks to “New Soul,” by Yael Naim, “1 2 3 4,” by Feist, “Bruises,” by Chairlift). Maybe this song won’t outlast its 15 minutes of fame. Maybe this song will be discarded as quickly as a mouthful of Listerince once a new spot comes out with the next tune of the moment. Maybe these songs are “ice cream cones,” (re: Elizabethtown) something sweet that lasts for five minutes but then melts away. But who cares? That’s the future. And this is today. These tunes will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. And who doesn’t like an ice cream cone every now and then?
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