Sports Team have released an exclusive live performance of ‘Stations of the Cross’ from The Oval. No, this has nothing to do with cricket – the Mercury Prize nominees have shared a live version of the final track on their debut album, Deep Down Happy. Playing up to their name, perhaps, they’ve chosen to record it at one of London’s most famous cricket grounds. You can see how this all comes together below.
‘Stations of the Cross’ is something of a profound song title, and the lyrics betray a real shrewdness. “Weekends follow weekends / like the stations of the cross” Rice sings. “And it’s not that you’re unhappy you’re just happy on and off.” Under the surface of a flashy, cool setup at Kennington’s iconic cricket ground, there lies a bleakness about growing older and disillusioned. It strikes a great contrast with Sports Teams’ unique, and cheery, guitar band sound.
Sports Team rarely take themselves too seriously, though. From their record label account, Holm Front, they called it a “mostly competent version.” They are underselling themselves; the energy of the video is contagious.
Deep Down Happy has been nominated for the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize, which will be announced live on The One Show next Thursday (September 24). Although there won’t be a ceremony on the scale of previous years, there will be plenty of TV and radio coverage throughout next week to celebrate all the nominees. The full run of events can be found here.
Speaking to NME about their upcoming nomination, Alex Rice said, “I’d rather win The Mercury Prize than anything else. It’s just bigger than anything else. It does feel like recognition from people just like us, who are obsessed with music, which is incredible.”
All in all, it’s been a big week for Sports Team. With precedent out of the window, what better way to prepare for an awards ceremony than by attempting to beat Pete Doherty’s time on the mega breakfast challenge at Margate’s Dalby Café? This is what guitarist Henry Young got up to yesterday – the band shared the following pictures of his attempt. For those interested, the breakfast consists of four rashers of bacon, four fried eggs, four sausages, onion rings, mushrooms, beans, bubble and squeak, hash browns, two slices of toast and – of course – a quarter-pounder burger with a side of chips.
Pete Doherty, if you have any pride, you will come down to the Dolby and defend your title pic.twitter.com/yZ5veZw7U3
— Sports Team (@SportsTeam_) September 15, 2020
Unlike Doherty, Young didn’t finish. Sports Team followed up with a tweet that just says “flop team”.
Next April, Sports Team are heading up and down the country for a small UK and Ireland tour – although they won’t be returning to Margate on this occasion. You can see where to catch them below.
20/04/21 – The Grand Social – Dublin
22/04 – Leeds University Stylus – Leeds
23/04 – The Albert Hall – Manchester
25/04 – Rock City – Nottingham
26/04 – SWG3 – Glasgow
28/04 – SWX Bristol – Bristol
29/04 – O2 Academy Brixton – London
