Sports Teams debut first came to my attention when I heard it was pushing for #1 in the UK album charts tussling with Lady Gaga’s Chromatica. I watched Sports Team support Two Door Cinema Club last October. At the time their attitude and swagger stood out to me along with their unique sound. I couldn’t see that sound becoming big on the popular market. I was obviously proved wrong.
Album Run-through
The album exposes its classic punk roots with little shame with album opener “Lander”. It also establishes the sound and instrumentation that the album will continue to show and develop as it progresses.
The strong vocal style of Alex Rice continues for the next two tracks: “Here it comes again” and “Going soft”. The former being the 1st of 4 previously released singles that are on the album and one of my favourites featuring constantly rising energy from all in the group.
The next song, “Camel Crew”, may be instrumentally my favourite song off the album. The opening short sharp stabs of whining guitar are effective and addictive. There is also a great middle 8 featuring even more brilliant guitar work and drumming. What results is fantastic song with just enough complexity to keep the listener coming back.
“Long hot summer” and “Feels like fun” continue to take the sound of the album into new directions with interesting song structure and varied bridges. Despite this, the songs still maintain the core basis of the album, making it feel more like one complete piece.
Next up is “Heres the thing”, easily the most politically charged song on the album. The lyrics ruthlessly tear apart social norms and idioms tackling issues like class, corporate greed and religion. With a structure that creates an impression of mockery, it’s a unique song with an aggression and malice that’s all too rare to see in today’s popular musical climate.
After this track the album ups the ante in viciousness with songs “The races” and “Born sugar”, tackling punks least favourite class, the upper class. Lyrics like “Won’t stop talking about his house, the way he’s going on, you’d think he built it all himself” make it very clear what the band think of the arrogant, entitled members of societies elite.
The two tracks that follow are also singles the band released prior to the album. “Kutcher” releasing back in 2018. The first track “Fishing” is a lively song with a vigorously bouncy chorus which creates a phenomenal atmosphere live. “Kutcher” is less rousing but more detailed. The song utilising more refreshing transitions and progressions.
Finally we have the album closer, “Stations of the cross”. This is strong song by all in the group. It has strong, engaging backing, striking lyrics and a few Bowie references sprinkled in for good measure. It also ends with the line “You can always go to London”, a reference to the opening track which also features the line. This ensures the album feels like a complete piece.
Overall Review and Score
Sports team have crafted a brilliant album that appeals to the public without sacrificing their ideals and what makes them unique. Its classic punk with a fresh new appearance. The backing instruments make the songs so delightful to listen to allowing each track to become more than just the words of Alex Rice.
It was amazing to see Sports Team’s dedicated fans pushing so hard to get this album to #1. Against seemingly impossible odds, it almost did so. A full on movement was created. 2nd place is still great news for classic punk and guitar music. It shows there’s still people who want this music, and that’s huge. Big credit to Sports Team for making such an accessible album. I for one am greatly looking forward to future live gigs and a 2nd album.
Rating: 9/10
Top 3 Songs:
1. Here’s The Thing
2. Camel Crew
3. Here It Comes Again
