SPORTS’ SELF TITLED ALBUM FLEXES THEIR ATHLETIC PROWESS in DREAM-POP INDIE ANTHEMs

Four years after their last record, Get A Good Look. Oklahoma-based dream pop band Sports has released their self-titled album, Sports. The band is led by brothers Jacob and Christian Theriot and vocalist Cale Chronister. Despite the band’s moniker, due to a lack of athletic skills. They make up for it with dream-pop indie aesthetics and luscious, dreamy vocals.      

Kicking things into high gear is “Gravestone.” The track opens to a hypnotic vocal repetition layered in synth-pop production, with the main pop vocals feeling soothing and comforting as the lyrics explore what legacy each individual leaves behind on this earth.

“Nice 2 Meet Myself (Bang Bang Bang)” is the next track from the album. It features a janky yet repetitive ‘bang’ vocal loop from the Theriot brothers with electro-pop aesthetics mirroring a Canadian rock band, Metric’s 2009 record Fantasies. The track delves into the dual personification of fame and life outside of fame, as the lead subject just wants to lead a normal life outside of the scene.  

“If You Want Me” is the standout track from the album. Imagine early 2010’s indie music such as MGMT, Foster The People, or Grouplove with rock-funk guitar riffs and Chronister’s vocals oozing swag and charisma in a flirtatious manner.

Shifting gears from groovy, flirtatious swag to pulling a rabbit out of a hat is “Magic Trick.” While many people enjoy magic tricks for spectacle and amazement. This isn’t that. The three-minute somber track opens up with lyrics detailing heartbreak and angst, accompanied by a synth-pop production of 808s’ and repetitive guitar chords amplified by Chronister’s emotional vocals.

Seguing from an emotional ballad to a bittersweet yet therapeutic track in “My Superstar.” The track opens up with a Romeo & Juliet reference as the lyrics delve into post breakup yearning to reconcile and reconnect, but it slips away. It is backed by upbeat bass chords and 2000’s indie-pop aesthetics to cure a broken heart.

Swaying from yearning to an upbeat romantic track in “Keep Falling In Love.” It oozes charm and takes notes from ‘90s pop groups with a cacophony of reverb of ‘Falling In Love,’ snazzy yet funky bass chords, and buttery vocals that is guaranteed to sweep them off of their feet on the dance floor or the perfect track for a romantic night in.                  

“Metaphors” is the final track of the record. The fittingly apt, deep track delves into an existential crisis. It is relatable in themes of trying to figure out life in your 20s or 30s in this era. Chronister’s vocals carry the track, relying on minimal production using bass guitar and synthesisers.      

Sports’ self-titled record, Sports, lands in podium position as it harkens back to 2000’s and 2010’s era indie-pop with spell chanting production, charisma, and swagger while experimenting with themes of self identity, love and loss, and existentialism.