The first time I saw Sports Team was at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. Entering the stage the six-piece act did a 45-minute set and no encore. That’s all folks!
It was a surprise, I will admit, in such an established venue with a passionate crowd, but they put on a great show none the less.
Since then, they have released several singles and made creative videos to suit their not so serious style.
Videos like ‘Beverley Rose’, ‘Here’s the Thing’, and ‘M5’ all-encompassing Britpop themes.
The first song I came across from this Cambridge band was ‘Margate’, and I have been hooked ever since; the beach, sunburn, dancing, and the said glamour of a British holiday.
Now, a year and a bit later, we have their debut LP ‘Deep Down Happy’, and I am in awe of this album.
With the help of their social media presence, their LP made it to number two in the charts with Sports Team pushing the boat out with their PR campaign and coming close to conquering Lady Gaga.
Getting into the record, we open up with ‘Lander’ sung by guitarist Rob Knaggs.
A straight kick in the face to begin with. Holding the descriptive aspects of modern youth and everyday life issues mixed with a catchy bass-line and lyrics that stick.
“To the Slug and Lettuce, or Wetherspoons if that’s sh*t. There’s no club in this town anymore, but if you want to do drugs you can always go to London.”
Following on, the next two tracks are in perfect suit. ‘Here It Comes Again’, and ‘Going Soft’ sung by lead singer Alex Rice who has been known for his Mick Jagger-style dancing and electric attitude.
‘Camel Crew’ was released during lockdown has a nice touch, and is a track that has a calmer appearance from the opening three numbers.
Another creative video featuring all the band members recording from their bedrooms with added effects.
‘Long Hot Summer’ and ‘Feels like Fun’ build momentum with Rob and Alex taking a song each. Once again, offering a catchy composition before we head into the brilliant ‘Here’s The Thing’ sung by both Alex and Rob.
“Jesus loves you, and football’s coming home. It’s just a joke, you know you’ll get it when you’ve grown. Rule Britannia, You’ll never walk alone. It’s all just lies, lies, lies!”
This is a track that stands out for me as a youth anthem. Along similar lines like Courtneers’ ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, Arctic Monkeys’ ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’, and Oasis’ ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’.
Also, creating two versions of the music video just shows they are not getting bored with the work.
Even going into the deeper tracks to Ascot themed ‘The Races’ followed with ‘Born Sugar’ which both have their moments, but the last three songs on the record are where I believe this LP holds strongest.
‘Fishing’ has that instant catchy beat with a great breakdown before another frantic build-up. I mean, for a hobby that is calm and relaxed nature to it, it hits you like you are fishing for a Kraken.
Then ‘Kutcher’. Beckoning the lyrics: “Ashton Kutcher’s got nothing on you!” Followed by: “I’ll take your t-shirt and put it in the wash. Then when you go out in public, you’re fabric will be f***ing soft. I guess you got Punk’d!”
Popular culture has never sounded so hipster.
Then ending with “Stations of the Cross”. A fantastic closing to the album especially with a throwback to ‘Lander’: “There’s no love in this town anymore, but if you want to find love you can always go to London.”
Props to the guys. This is a work of art.
This wants to be your Demi Moore, and it has won my heart. I reckon this is one of the best alternative albums from the last decade.
Sports Team will be going places once we all get over this bump, but it is just a shame that the album was released with the circumstances we are in.
Yet, one positive note is Sports Team are on tour in 2021 across the UK.
All you can do now though is make the most of it and download the album when possible, and if not you can always go to London. You will not regret it.
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