Sports are Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot, a duo splitting time between Los Angeles and Norman, Oklahoma. How’s that for differing locales? They have cultivated an online following and built momentum with single releases in recent years.
Their elaborate, mind-expanding arrangements are warm and enveloping, creating a world where David Bowie, The Beach Boys and The Clash all collide. After numerous singles, Sports are now presenting a new and complete album…
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Indie-Pop-Duo-Sports-Release-New-Album-Get-A-Good-Look-20220211
In February 2022 they completed the second half of “Get a Good Look,” revealing a 13-track LP that is a fun, adventurous listen. It’s post-pop, it’s gaze-dance. It’s indie funk. It’s LA and Oklahoma. The collection includes the song that first attracted me to the group, the super catchy “The Look.”
“‘Get A Good Look’ is about getting a good look at yourself — the real image of you,” Chronister says. “Everyone only sees an inverted version of you. Every time someone looks at you, they are actually looking in a mirror, trying to validate their own idea of themselves in this world.”
http://www.enigmaonline.com/2022/02/11/sports-release-new-full-length-album-get-a-good-look-today/
“The Look” is right up my alley. Uptempo, strong melody, addictive hooks, but with just enough edge, fun and playful insincerity. Try to not tap.
You’ll find that same approach over the rest of the record. Experimentation with beats, sounds, layers—a complex approach to production—but somehow the tunes shine through for their simplicity and pop sensibilities.
I must reveal a true fondness for what the guys have done on “Everybody Wants To Be A Frog.” It’s the start of a 4-track series that ends the album. It’s new territory not covered before and there is a genuine sense of revelation and building towards something exciting.
Then holy crap, but a ballad comes on second to last and truly earns the feels. “It Gets Hard To Be Alone.”
Today I looked in the mirror
At no one at all
I looked straight through the mirror
And looked at the wall
Already checked my phone but
I’ll tan myself blue
Already checked the fridge but
I don’t want any food
And I could blame it on money
I could blame the times
I could blame my friends
I could blame my diet
But none of it’s true
I just wanna be with you
The title track “Get A Good Look” closes the set. More new territory and revelation. This time guitars and a bend towards psychedelica and even echoes of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Hello. Try not to sway.
Adding to the duo’s layered and atmospheric world, the guys also do great videos. This is where the “Post-pop” asthetic shines through. Knitted hats. Wood paneling. Dirt and rock landscapes. Friends over for a night in the mobile home. A heavily realized subculture.
In “Get A Good Look,” Sports send electric strands of deeper meaning swirling all around. With a penchant for bravery via vulnerability—they create walls of pop sound, building a sonic shelter safer and higher with each pulsing beat. One of my favorites of 2022.
LINK: https://sportsbandok.com/
UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.
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