The band released their debut album ‘Deep Down Happy’ the following year; it was a brazen, almost cartoonish commentary on the quintessence of English life, filled with visceral song writing and riotous vocals by frontman Alex Rice along with guitarist and occasional singer Rob Knaggs. Drummer Al Greenwood, lead guitarist Henry Young, bassist Oli Dewdney, and keyboardist Ben Mack also shine proudly in their own right.
2022’s ‘Gulp’ followed suit, honing in on the subtleties of life in the country, teasing impending chaos on tracks like opener ‘The Game’ and ‘Fingers (Taken Off)’. With thunderous, thrashing guitars from Knaggs and Young, the album takes Sports Team’s indie vigour to new heights.
Fast forward to 2024 and Sports Team are gearing up for the release of their third studio album ‘Boys These Days’ , due out in February 2025. ‘Condensation’, the latest single from the upcoming project, is rife with the lovable, anthemic quality that Sports Team are so well known for.
The disco-inspired intro drumbeat by Greenwood seems to offer a taste of what’s to come - a potential departure from the band’s signature punk roots. Nevertheless, Sports Team take their britpop influences to a new level on this track, crafting a refreshing sound that is both reminiscent of Blur and Feeder, and hinting at a new era of bright, pop-infused production.
Knaggs says: “It’s a song about sweat. We had two years away from playing live and wanted to capture the physicality of being in a packed room with people you love. At a gig or anywhere else”.
Following on from 80’s inspired ‘I’m in Love (Subaru)’, filled with glittery keyboard work from Mack - ‘Condensation’ similarly remarks on those precious moments of joy that can only happen with your favourite people around: “It feels like I’m dying when your fingertips / Unzip my skin / I watch the whole world crawling in / Become a part of me”.
It’s evident that ‘Condensation’ will be a fan favourite on the big stage, as the band continue to maintain their reputation as a staggering live band. Dewdney’s grinding bass is sure enough to shake the stage too.
It’s difficult not to imagine a chorus of strained voices chanting along to the infectious hook, “You know, it tastes like a door slammed shut / You know, it tastes like a bleeding cut”.
Sports Team’s latest endeavour hints at an exciting new era for the band.
Lina Adams
Image: ‘Condensation’ Official Single Cover
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