Sports Team – ‘Boys These Days’ Review: Goofy Vibes with Fresh Purpose

Exploring Sports Team’s ‘Boys These Days’ album, blending their signature goofiness with a renewed sense of purpose and sonic evolution.

From Indie Rebels to Cult Favorites

When Sports Team stormed the UK music scene with their energetic EPs Winter Nets (2018) and Keep Walking! (2019), they instantly carved out a niche as indie cult heroes who didn’t take themselves too seriously. Their witty, cheeky tracks about mundane subjects—like the motorways in “M5” or the everyday myths woven into 21st-century life in “Here’s The Thing”—offered much-needed escapism from the more somber post-punk dominating UK airwaves.

Sports Team bringing their lively indie rock charm to the stage

Despite some critics dismissing them as just six middle-class lads hiding behind self-deprecating humor, Sports Team proved their mettle by snagging a Mercury Prize nomination for their debut album Deep Down Happy in 2020—just five years after their Cambridge origins.

Festival Favorites and Evolving Sound

As UK festivals roared back post-pandemic, Sports Team became an undeniable fixture on line-ups everywhere. Their approachable charm won over a loyal young fan base eager for their second album Gulp! (2022), which carried the indie-punk torch with enthusiasm and flair.

After three years of some well-deserved downtime, including a creative stint in Bergen, Norway, the band returned with their third album, Boys These Days. This record reflects one of their most transformative phases yet, marked by a new record label and confronting the bittersweet realities of nearing their thirties.

A Shift in Sound With Classic Quirk

Boys These Days reveals a band stretching their sonic palette without losing their signature humor.

Take “I’m In Love (Subaru),” which feels like a playful throwback to the ’60s, using a saxophone to muse on how youthful dreams—like being “the king of the road”—shift as time marches on.

Meanwhile, “Sensible” spices things up with harmonica and cello, giving a cheeky nod to how the world’s grown dull:

“Take me to Dalston / We’ll play Fred Again.. and dance.”

This track's official video showcases the band’s playful spirit perfectly:

Absurdity as a Powerful Tool

Absurdity has always been Sports Team’s secret weapon. On Boys These Days, it takes on a sharper edge, transforming from pure escapism into a vehicle for social commentary.

• “Head To Space” brings back the band's classic goofy energy with country-tinged vibes.
• “These Days” cheekily mocks toxic masculinity with the line:

“Good God, boys these days / Look like girls”

turning it into an anthem for indie rock’s new wave.

• “Bang Bang Bang” confronts America’s gun culture with biting irony:

“He don’t get hard unless he takes a gun to bed.”

Remarkably, after the band was robbed at gunpoint in San Francisco last December—after writing this song—the indifferent reactions around them only highlighted their point further.

Embracing Childlike Wonder Amidst a Divided World

On Boys These Days, Sports Team flips the grim realities of an increasingly divided world on its head, embracing the playful, childlike aspects of humanity. Their sound evolves beyond the raw, guitar-heavy intensity of their early work, but they avoid the trap of just layering synths like many indie bands today.

Instead, this album captures the essence of the band’s wild, eccentric live performances—like the local pub energy of a Friday night jam session, where anything feels possible.

The vibrant album cover for Sports Team’s ‘Boys These Days’

Album Details:

• Record label: Sports Team/Distiller Music
• Release date: May 23, 2025

Final Thoughts

So, is Boys These Days the album where Sports Team finally grows up? Not exactly. But it’s clear they’ve found new depth and direction beneath their trademark goofiness. Their blend of sharp social observations, quirky instrumentation, and lively indie rock spirit makes this an invigorating listen for fans and newcomers alike.

What’s your favorite cheeky Sports Team track? Do you think their playful approach makes serious topics more approachable? Let’s chat!

FAQs

• How has Sports Team’s sound changed on this new album?
  They’ve expanded beyond the guitar-driven chaos of their early days, adding instruments like saxophone, harmonica, and cello, creating a richer, more diverse sound.
• What themes does ‘Boys These Days’ explore?
  The album tackles everything from the awkward transition into adulthood to social issues like toxic masculinity and gun culture, wrapped in playful irony.
• Did any real-life events influence the album?
  Yes, notably their experience being robbed at gunpoint in San Francisco inspired the track “Bang Bang Bang” and its commentary on gun violence.
• What makes Sports Team stand out in the indie scene?
  Their combination of humor, raw energy, and genuine social insight sets them apart from many peers who may take themselves too seriously.
• Where can I listen to ‘Boys These Days’?
  The album is available on all major streaming platforms since its release on May 23, 2025.

Ready to bring the energetic vibe of Sports Team into your home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a perfect music-inspired decor boost: Architeg Prints