Sometimes I receive a pitch that is just too intriguing to pass up. Like this one: "Sometimes musicians love hockey so much, they form a band and write songs about it." I ask you, loyal reader, how am I supposed to ignore that? Obviously, I couldn't. And it's a good thing I couldn't ignore that. Why? Because The Zambonis write really catchy songs about hockey or at least with a lot of hockey references.
Here is one way to sum up The Zambonis. Do you remember the movie That Thing You Do? The title track was both ridiculously catchy and ubiquitous. Well, if that movie had been about hockey, the soundtrack would have belonged to The Zambonis. Oh, and the movie probably would have been called "I Got a Concussion (When I Fell for You)". Talk about ridiculously catchy. Just try to get this 60s-style song out of your head. But wait! There's more. That gem is followed by another couple songs that you will have a hard time forgetting: "Now's My Time to Shine" and "Hockey Mom" Be ready to sing along with these.
While catchy songs are the bread and butter of this band, it also shows that it can rock with songs like "Fight on the Ice." I can see this becoming the anthem played in every hockey arena whenever a fight breaks out. I could say the same thing for "Power Play". It's easy to imagine this being played at a hockey arena any time the home team gets a power play opportunity.
So there you have it. A band can write an entire album about hockey. Does it help to be a fan of hockey and understand the references? Sure, but chances are this album will get your head moving even if you've never watched a hockey game. If you think you can get with an album that is a mixture of 60s pop gems and early They Might Be Giants, this is definitely one you should add to your collection. 5 Minute Major (in D Minor) is available Tuesday 14 February from Blue Line Recordings.
If you want to be featured in Schwindy's indie music spotlight, contact me at facebook.com/gary.schwind or submit your music to:
PO Box 2070, Mission Viejo CA 92690.
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