Brain Candy
Hockey Dad · 2020
45 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant blend of surf rock melodies and indie pop energy that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
Top tracks — play these first
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In This State — The opener sets the tone with its catchy chorus and relatable reflections on feeling stuck, embodying the album's thematic core.
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Germaphobe — This track cleverly blends humor with anxiety, showcasing the band's ability to tackle contemporary issues through a light-hearted musical lens.
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Looking Forward to the Change — Closing the album with an anthemic feel, this song encapsulates a sense of hope and readiness for transformation amidst uncertainty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends surf rock and indie pop effectively but lacks strong cohesion and depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies that evoke a surf rock aesthetic, particularly in 'Milk in the Sun' and 'Good Eye'.
- The lyrics often reflect personal themes, with a focus on relatable experiences, especially evident in 'I Missed Out' and 'Tell Me What You Want'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic summer road trip
- upbeat sing-along moments
- short bursts of energy
- playful melodies for gatherings
- feel-good vibes for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- slow, introspective listening
- seeking deep emotional complexity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Brain Candy is Hockey Dad's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, Blend Inn. The duo's growth is evident as they refine their sound while exploring more personal themes, marking a significant moment in their artistic journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dune Rats· The Frights· Wavves
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In This State 3:02
- 2 I Missed Out 3:31
- 3 Milk in the Sun 2:59
- 4 Good Eye 3:54
- 5 Germaphobe 3:24
- 6 Itch 4:54
- 7 Heavy Assault 2:45
- 8 Nestle Down 3:37
- 9 Tell Me What You Want 3:11
- 10 Dole Brother 2:45
- 11 Keg 3:13
- 12 Reno 3:30
- 13 Looking Forward to the Change 4:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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