Terrible mullets, tragic bootcuts, and an event you’d rather not admit you’ve attended to your loved ones – no, it’s not the farmer’s protest; it’s Sports Team in Kentish Town.
It’s been over 2 years since Sports Team’s last proper London headline date, which seems strange for a band that relishes the live experience as much as these perennial indie piss-takers. Despite the notable absence, the band walk on stage with a vengeance and instantly launch into the fan-favourite ‘Camel Crew’. The crowd lap up frontman Alex Rice’s sardonic lyrics, touching on disappointing pub carveries and peppered with thinly veiled disses to avant-garde London bands. Non-album single ‘Happy (God’s Own Country)’ and ‘The Game’ followed, sending the crowd into a collective frenzy. There was a real sense of community in the venue, perhaps fostered by the band’s grassroots ethos - from playing guerilla gigs in pub front rooms and interacting with fans through various chat groups.
The band then took the opportunity to preview tracks from their imminent 3rd album ‘Boys These Days’, including the synth-laden lead single ‘I’m In Love (Subaru)’, which worked surprisingly well in the live setting. However, the highlight of the night is ‘Lander’, a ferocious tune sung by guitarist Rob Knaggs, bemoaning life trapped in a London commuter town with Camberley, Aldershot and Staines being shouted out. Sports Team’s electric live presence inspired a near-constant mosh pit in the middle of the crowd, which faltered a few times with fans stopping to pick up fallen revellers - a refreshing sight in light of recent discussion regarding the poor state of post-Covid gig etiquette.
The main set concluded with the unreleased ‘Maybe When We’re Thirty’, with Rice’s plea for fans to hoist their mates onto shoulders being met with enthusiasm. Those who made it up were treated by a poignant tune focusing on growing old with someone you love, with a gradual build up of intensity ensuring that it delivered as a triumphant closer.
After a short break, the band returned to the stage for hit single ‘Here’s The Thing’ and the nostalgic ‘Stanton’, one of their earliest tracks. Ever the showman, Rice took the opportunity to launch himself into the crowd, adding to the good-natured chaos within the venue. Despite some fans potentially being disappointed with the omission of old staples like ‘The Races’ and ‘Stations of The Cross’, the performance never lost momentum - with the setlist deftly balancing tracks both new and old.
It’s a shame that the pandemic seemed to stall Sports Team’s ascent, but tonight reaffirmed their place as one of the best live acts on the circuit. With the strength of their live show and a promising crop of new tracks, it’s hard to imagine that they won’t be back playing bigger venues again next time around. For now though, the Kentish Town Forum felt just right - a joyous, messy celebration of a band that clearly mean a lot to their fans.