Sports Team

Back at it again this week with a trip to see everyone’s favourite band, Sports Team. Rocking up to the venue about ten minutes before doors opened, I waved my press pass to the ticket staff and made my way to the front of the stage. I got a good spot on the right hand side, albeit a bit too close to the side stage speakers… my ears did pay the price.

The openers, Fat Dog, arrived on stage to the sound of an alarm blaring, announcing the start of their set. The only way I could describe this band was a punk/indie mashup of The Prodigy and Madness, mainly due to the clashing mix of synths, heavy guitar and the saxophonist blaring notes out like there was no tomorrow! It was a fun half hour; the lead singer was jumping into the pit and commanding the crowd with ease whilst the other band members were throwing shapes on the stage. Definitely the most memorable support act I’ve seen in a while.

Not long after, we were graced with the arrival of Alex, Rob, Henry, Ben, Oli and Al, walking on stage to ABBA’s Mamma Mia. Solid choice.

The band opened with Here It Comes Again, to roars of applause. Following up with a mix of songs old and new, the energy never dipped. Despite lead singer Alex Rice stating how tour had already knackered them (they were playing the Roundhouse in London the next day), the six-piece still delivered a cracking set, as I expected. My favourite moments had to include Fishing and The Drop; the energy coming from the crowd was electric, and you could tell the band were enjoying themselves too. Alex came down to the barrier a couple of times and even got into the pit himself during Stanton, which is a common sight at any Sports Team gig. The crowd engagement is part of the whole experience! Guitarist Rob Knaggs also got to display his vocals on Lander and Light Industry, closing the set before the encore while Rice took a breather.

I last saw Sports Team at the Waterfront for Wild Paths last year and rest assured, following the release of their second album, Gulp!, they are a much more confident and self assured band. The lyricism remains witty and on the point, poking fun at the government and modern British society. This gig was a solid reminder of why they are one of the best live bands about at the moment. A fabulous night was had by all!

Sports Team continue their US/UK/EU ‘Friendship’ tour in Ireland next week before heading to Europe in November.