Australian surf-rock duo Hockey Dad have unveiled their brand-new single All Hat No Cattle today, alongside the announcement of their forthcoming EP The Clip, which will be released independently on 12 September.
The release marks the first time the band have gone fully independent since their early beginnings, signalling a new chapter for the duo who have steadily carved out a place as one of Australia’s most successful modern rock exports.
Following 2024’s carefully crafted full-length album Rebuild Repeat, Hockey Dad’s new EP The Clip finds Zach Stephenson (vocals/guitar) and Billy Fleming (drums) tapping back into the DIY ethos that first defined them. Across six tracks, the EP blends the raw energy of their formative years with the polished songwriting that has carried them through three critically acclaimed studio albums.
The lead single All Hat No Cattle is a sharp, driving slice of indie-rock swagger that balances playful satire with personal reflection. “It’s just one of those sayings that when you hear it you have to write a song about it,” the band explained. Inspired by a larger-than-life cowboy spotted at a service station, the track plays on themes of identity and authenticity. “Other than a portrait of this fake cowboy, the lyrics might be a dig at myself. I became such a fan of country music throughout the last five or so years. Being a boy from Australia it feels like it’s not in my lane. I’m the fake cowboy who hasn’t worked a day in his life out there on the land.”
Musically, the song harks back to Hockey Dad’s skate-punk beginnings, weaving in surf-tinged guitar riffs and pounding percussion that recall their earlier releases Brain Candy (2020) and Blend Inn (2018), while still feeling forward-looking.
Hockey Dad formed in 2013 in the Wollongong suburb of Windang, New South Wales, where childhood best friends Stephenson and Fleming turned their love of surf, skate, and garage rock into a grassroots project. Taking cues from bands like Blink-182 and The Vines, their sound quickly struck a chord with Australian audiences, fuelled by a heavy touring schedule and support from triple j.
The duo first gained traction with their 2014 debut EP Dreamin’, a raw lo-fi release that hinted at their knack for melody beneath the grit. From there, Hockey Dad’s profile grew rapidly, leading to international tours and critical acclaim.
Hockey Dad Discography
Dreamin’ (EP, 2014)
Boronia (Album, 2016) – Their debut album named after the street they grew up on, featuring early favourites like Can’t Have Them.
Blend Inn (Album, 2018) – Recorded in Seattle with producer John Goodmanson, this album expanded their sonic palette and earned widespread international attention.
Brain Candy (Album, 2020) – A more ambitious collection that included hits such as I Missed Out and charted strongly in Australia.
Rebuild Repeat (Album, 2024) – A mature, reflective record showcasing the band’s evolution and resilience.
The Clip (EP, 2025) – Due September 12, returning the band to an independent release structure.
Hockey Dad’s sound, sharp, summery melodies paired with fuzz-driven riffs, has earned them comparisons to both classic surf rock and contemporary indie-punk outfits.
The duo’s music has now amassed over 100 million streams worldwide, while their live reputation has seen them share stages with Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday, Mt. Joy, and Ultra Q. They’ve also made festival appearances across Australia, North America, and Europe, cementing their reputation as one of Australia’s most exportable rock acts.
Their studio collaborators have included John Goodmanson (Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney, Blonde Redhead) and Alex Burnett of Sparkadia (DJ Snake, Flight Facilities), ensuring their music continues to straddle DIY grit and international polish.
The Clip EP represents not only a creative return to Hockey Dad’s independent roots but also a reaffirmation of their bond as musicians who have grown together since childhood.
With All Hat No Cattle already setting the tone, fans can expect a release that fuses nostalgia with a fresh creative spark.
As the band puts it themselves, “Maintaining that DIY spirit has always been important. The Clip is about reflecting on where we’ve been but also trying not to overthink where we’re going. It’s just about making the songs we love to play.”
With five albums and EPs under their belt, millions of streams, and an ever-expanding global fanbase, Hockey Dad’s latest chapter promises to be one of their most exciting yet.
Hockey Dad – The Clip EP
Out September 12, 2025 (Independent)
Lead single All Hat No Cattle is available now to stream and purchase.
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