Offering chaos and a distinctive style of music impossible to categorise, Sports Team’s upcoming album ‘Boys These Days’ might be their boldest release yet.
With a constant infectious energy, Sports Team aren’t comparable to any other artist currently. Really slotting into their own niche of Indie-Rock laced with Saxophone and Keyboard, ‘Boys These Days’ is ambitious but they effortlessly pull it off.
Vocals that verge on folk infused with light, floaty saxophone open ‘I’m In Love (Subaru)’ a quirky track about the feeling of freedom that comes with driving away from your problems. “I’m king of the road” lead singer Alex Rice announces, sharing the blissful feeling of escaping in a Subaru car. A bright saxophone solo adds a layer that’s rarely used in alternative music. Carefully placed, this track reminds you what Sports Team are capable of, giving you a taste of what to prepare for.
Grappling what it’s like growing up now compared to when they were young, title track ‘Boys These Days’ already drives the album in a new direction. “Now it’s all vaping and watching porn,” Rice expresses concern. Once again, the track has no boundaries. Cocktailing guitar, drums, keyboard and saxophone alongside Rice’s distinctive voice, it feels somewhat disorderly yet the sounds all come together to match the feeling of confusion conveyed in the lyrics.
‘Moving together’ comes next sounding like a blend of an 80’s hippie track and something that could be found on a Tame Impala album. The euphoric guitar is floaty and light while Rice focuses on getting stuck in a relationship. Feeling okay but nothing more. “Are we just wasting time doing alright,” he sings adding a lashing of hurt above the bubbly music. Leisurely, the song fades into following track ‘Condensation’ which is more upbeat, opening with funky drumbeats and radiant guitar.
The middle tracks continue Sports Team’s trademark style of music, using their lyrics to describe growing up in England isn’t a new theme for the group who continue to share their thoughts on ‘Sensible.’ Keyboard is the backbone as the song starts steadily until hearing the darker lyrics, “the bed’s on fire and they go to sleep.” Guitar keeps the track’s dancier vibe alive as Rice mentions drugs, dancing and becoming numb, something many Brits may feel is relatable.
Opening with whistling and deep vocals like something from a cowboy movie soundtrack, ‘Planned Obsolescence’ is downbeat and emotional. “I am another pointless device” Rice sings over and over in an almost robotic voice matching what he’s depicting. Suddenly the album zigzags, driving you back into the dancefloor zone with ‘Bang Bang Bang.’ Strategically named, the song is a slap in the face. Guitar roars as they express their frustrations about gun laws in America.
With a talent for throwing little noises like whistles into their music, ‘Head To Space’ is no different, opening with airy sounds mimicking what you’d hear in space. Feeling like a sister to ‘I’m in Love (Subaru),’ the song follows the feeling of escaping and becoming free from your problems. A moment of silence is followed by a captain’s voice preparing for take-off before riffs resembling the engines starting. Joyous, the music explodes into a frenzy of upbeat vocals and carefree guitar as the rocket takes off and they ascend into the sky.
The final two tracks are carefully calculated yet still eccentric. Low vocals, polished sax and ear catching drums are prominent on ‘Bonnie.’ Rice’s haunting vocals leak into the slow and dramatic music making a shiver run down your spine.
If a daydream could be a song, it would be final track ‘Maybe when we’re 30.’ Reflective and partly regretful, a male and female voice are heard thinking about having a house and a dog. Although they sing about a model life, the track feels far from happy and more like they are wishing for something they can’t have. The single is unmistakably human and honest. “Maybe when we’re 30 baby” Rice belts now irate, possibly realising their dreams are harder to chase then they once thought.
At a time when so many bands sound similar, Sports Team are a breath of fresh air on their upcoming album that’s not only unique but also exhilarating.
Sports Team: Boys These Days’ – Out 23 May 2025 (Bright Antenna Entertainment AWAL)
Team – Bang Bang Bang (Lyric Video)
