THE FRONT ROW

Live Review: Ocean Alley & Hockey Dad – Bournemouth O2 Academy, 4th September 2024

On a breezy Wednesday night, the Bournemouth O2 Academy played host to an electrifying double bill featuring Ocean Alley, supported by fellow Aussie rockers Hockey Dad. The venue, with its intimate yet grandiose atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for a night of surf rock, psychedelia, and infectious energy.

Hockey Dad: A Fiery Opening

Kicking off the night was Hockey Dad, a duo hailing from Windang, New South Wales. Known for their garage rock roots and surf punk sound, Hockey Dad brought an immediate jolt of energy to the O2 Academy. Zach Stephenson, the band’s charismatic vocalist and guitarist, led the charge with infectious riffs and a spirited performance. Tracks like “Germaphobe” and “Unhinged” had the audience moving early, the tightness of their set demonstrating why they’ve built a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting live acts.

Stephenson’s vocals were on point throughout, effortlessly transitioning between playful melodies and raw, emotive grit. Drummer Billy Fleming kept the tempo high, his tight, frenetic drumming propelling the set forward. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, showcasing their years of experience playing together. Hockey Dad’s sound feels both nostalgic and fresh, blending the upbeat vibes of surf rock with the punch of modern punk. The crowd responded enthusiastically, warming up to their catchy tunes and high-energy delivery.

Ocean Alley: A Transcendent Headline Set

By the time Ocean Alley took the stage, the atmosphere was buzzing. The Sydney six-piece, who have become global indie-rock darlings in recent years, wasted no time in demonstrating why they’ve gained such a passionate following. Their fusion of psych-rock, reggae, and indie has a timeless quality, and from the moment they launched into their set, they had the audience captivated.

For someone unfamiliar with their music prior to the show, I was blown away by how easily Ocean Alley filled the room with their anthemic tracks. Kicking off with “Touch Back Down,” their rich, dreamy soundscape immediately set a tone of hypnotic intensity. The deep grooves, lush guitar work, and mesmerizing vocal delivery of frontman Baden Donegal transported the audience into Ocean Alley’s world.

The setlist was a well-balanced mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, with moments that showcased both their technical skill and emotional depth. Tracks like “Yellow Mellow” and “Home” highlighted their knack for creating textured, expansive soundscapes, while the tender “Knees” had the crowd singing every word in unison. “Knees” was a clear standout of the night, an emotional high point that resonated deeply with the audience.

Of course, the moment everyone had been waiting for was their performance of “Confidence,” the track that went viral on TikTok and introduced the band to a whole new generation of fans. When the opening notes hit, the entire venue erupted. The crowd, young and old alike, belted out the lyrics with a sense of communal joy. The band fed off this energy, turning in a performance that was both powerful and sincere. It’s easy to see why “Confidence” became a viral sensation—it’s a track that encapsulates everything Ocean Alley does best: infectious grooves, soaring melodies, and a sense of introspective cool.

A Night of Singalongs and Sonic Exploration

What truly stood out about Ocean Alley’s performance was their ability to craft songs that feel both expansive and intimate. Each track had a life of its own, whether it was the shimmering, laid-back vibe of “Partner in Crime” or the slow burn of “West Coast.” Their set showcased a band completely comfortable in their own skin, capable of creating moments of pure euphoria alongside introspective, almost meditative passages.

The show reached its peak when the entire crowd joined in for the colossal singalongs during “Confidence” and “Knees.” These moments were a testament to the band’s ability to connect with their audience on a deeply emotional level. Throughout it was evident that so many people knew every word, to not just their hits but also the deeper cuts, which speaks volumes about the impact Ocean Alley is having on their fanbase.

Final Thoughts

Ocean Alley’s performance at the Bournemouth O2 Academy was nothing short of spectacular. They’ve mastered the art of blending genres, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, like I was, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the emotional and sonic depth of their live show.

Hockey Dad provided the perfect warm-up, their raw energy setting the stage for what was to come. Ocean Alley took that energy and amplified it, delivering a set that will no doubt linger in the minds of those in attendance for weeks to come.

If I had to rate the night overall, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It was a night of captivating performances, euphoric singalongs, and powerful emotional moments—everything you could want from a live show.

Setlists:

Ocean Alley:
Ocean Alley Setlist

Hockey Dad:
Hockey Dad Setlist