SPORTS SELF-TITLED LP - REVIEW
Words: Chloé WELLS
Sports find their groove with their first entirely self-produced, self-recorded, and self-titled album, Sports. Christian Theriot and Cale Chronister created their new album in their “Studio HQ,” based in the duo’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The new album explores connection, heartbreak, and self-discovery, accompanied by synth-heavy sonics and playful beats. Much like the astro-turf floor of their studio, Sports remains grounded in their bedroom pop roots while creating something truly their own.
‘Gravestone’ offers the listener a smooth introduction to the album with experimental voice modulation and dreamy effects. This track segues into ‘Nice 2 Meet Myself (Bang Bang Bang)’, a deeply layered production that takes you to soaring heights throughout the song. ‘If You Want Me’ embodies the fun of meeting someone new as the duo leans into lively synths and, lyrically, offers a refreshing transparency about wanting to explore this new relationship further. The dramatic track ‘Jelly’ repeats the question “Why don’t you want to be mine?” and confronts the frustration of noncommitment. ‘Magic Trick’ is an enchanting tune accompanied by hypnotic instrumentals. ‘My Superstar’ wanders through the feelings of being lost and confused at the end of a relationship.
Sports’ second half strikes a decidedly more somber tone in the face of rejection, doubt, and love lost. Their standout single, ‘Keep Falling In Love’, is a rich romantic cut that captures Sports at their most intimate and swoon-worthy. ‘Don’t Forget About Me’ cries out lyrically and sonically, in desperation, not to be forgotten, then abruptly fades out, almost reflecting the futility of the demand. The digital textures and glitchy production of ‘Drama King’ are balanced by the uncertainty-filled lyrics asking, “Do you love me at all?” The remorse felt in ‘Stay Mad’ offers a great transition into the frustration found in the edgy mixing of ‘I Can’t Cry’. The record closes softly with “Metaphors” searching for answers to the past and hope for the future.
Sports traverses through yearn-heavy highs and heartbreak-filled lows, making the album a natural response to our modern situationship era. Across the record, the duo’s songwriting leans heavily on repetition, which at times holds them back from fully exploring the vulnerability in some of their songs, but their playful production holds your attention throughout the listen. Overall, Sports builds on the bedroom-pop genre with evident talent and great potential as the duo hones their production abilities.