Hockey - Learn To Lose

are one of a new collective of bands bringing new-wave back for another timely revival. ‘Learn To Lose’ fuses aspects of funk with soul, disco and pop, resulting in a track that will see you fighting to keep your feet from tapping along to it.

The song doesn’t hide behind a lengthy introduction; it cuts straight to the chase, with funky slap bass guitar driving the rhythm and urgent, gravelly vocals adding grittiness to proceedings. The choruses are big, exploding into a synth-driven, textural wall of sound, with quaint female backing vocals, which add an ethereal dimension to the song.

The only hint at any form of rock/indie influence is the psychedelic guitar solo in the middle of the song combined with Ben Grubins’ vocals, which bear some quaint resemblance to Johnny Borrell of Razorlight, especially in the particularly shouty bits.

The new-wave influence really shines through in the latter stages of the song, when the track becomes more synth-focused, creating a really 80s retro feel.
‘Learn To Lose’ adds a refreshing twist to the barrage of electro-pop songs that are dominating the charts at the moment and its upbeat, summery sound ensures that Hockey will be one to watch in the coming months.