Sports Team Boiler Shop 20/11/24
Invited| Review by Michael Dunwell
The beginning of any set always carries that familiar sense of anticipation as the crowd waits for someone to break the ice and spark a mosh pit—usually after a few songs. But when the band takes control and ignites that energy themselves, the atmosphere becomes electric. Sports Team did exactly that, diving straight in and creating a dynamic, high-voltage environment filled with energy and infectious vibes from the very first song.
After yesterday’s review, it was a thrill to return to The Boiler Shop for another gig in this incredible 1,000-capacity venue, just a short walk from Newcastle’s Central Station. Full of history, the building dates back to the 1820s and was originally built as the world’s first commercial locomotive factory by George and Robert Stephenson. Now transformed into a live music venue, it combines rich heritage with modern amenities, offering great acoustics, unobstructed sightlines from anywhere in the room, and an impressive beer selection, from familiar classics to local gems. Yesterday, I recommended Repeater; today’s pick is Rotator—another fantastic brew from the local favourite Full Circle Brew Co.
Kicking off the night was the incredibly catchy Adult DVD, a six-piece synth-pop band from Leeds. Their sound is an exciting blend of influences, from the pulsating grooves of LCD Soundsystem to the heavy basslines of IDLES, with sharp, comical spoken-word vocals reminiscent of Yard Act and Hallan. Add the gritty, dark energy of bands like Sorry and Lime Garden, and you get a captivating mix that had the crowd hooked from the first note. While their set deserved a larger crowd, their energy and talent were undeniable. I truly hope they return to Newcastle soon—I’ll definitely be there, and I highly recommend you catch them live too.
Next up were London-based alternative grunge trio mary in the junkyard, who brought a distinct 90s vibe to Newcastle, both sonically and lyrically. Their set blended soaring soundscapes in the vein of Launder with the heavy, gritty grunge influences of Alice In Chains. Lead singer Clari Freeman-Taylor’s hauntingly beautiful vocals evoked the style of Just Mustard, while the band’s complex time signature changes and standout drumming recalled last night’s headliner, English Teacher.
One track I highly recommend is goop, where bassist Saya Barbaglia swapped her bass for a violin. The eerie, unsettling soundscapes she created, combined with shifting drum patterns from David Addison, built a captivating, immersive atmosphere. The result was a track that was both angelic in its vocals and a mesmerising musical journey. This is definitely a band to watch out for in 2025.
Finally, the headliners of the evening, Sports Team, took the stage, with Alex Rice (lead vocals), Rob Knaggs (rhythm guitar and vocals), Henry Young (lead guitar), Oli Dewdney (bass), Al Greenwood (drums), and Ben Mack (keyboards) commanding the room. Together, they unleashed a high-energy sound that effortlessly bridges the gap between intimate venues and massive festival stages. Their set struck the perfect balance for both moshing and singing along, fusing anthemic, crowd-pleasing choruses reminiscent of Oasis with the witty, playful lyricism of bands like Blossoms. Alex Rice’s powerful, dynamic vocals took centre stage, while Rob Knaggs’ vocals with him added a layer of depth, perfectly complementing each other and solidifying the unmistakable sound of Sports Team.
A definite highlight was I’m In Love (Subaru), a nostalgic homage to 80s icons like Huey Lewis and the News and Duran Duran, reimagined as a quirky love song… about a Subaru Impreza. Alex Rice introduced the track by assuring the crowd that the classics were coming next, but after hearing this one, I’m even more excited for what’s to come on their upcoming album, boys these days. This song has been on repeat all day since seeing it live!
Speaking of classics, I hadn’t fully appreciated just how iconic the bouncy, energetic intro to Fishing was until I heard it live—a moment that instantly ignited the crowd and kept them moving from start to finish. Paired with Rob and Alex’s powerful, distinctive vocals and the fiery, spoken-word delivery of Here’s The Thing, Deep Down Happy is an album I’d strongly recommend to any first-time listener as we eagerly await the release of boys these days.
In conclusion, the crowd’s energy for Sports Team was absolutely electric, with continuous moshing, dancing, and fans hoisting each other onto shoulders, creating an infectious buzz that filled the room. Combined with Adult DVD’s captivating synth-pop beats and mary in the junkyard’s haunting, expansive soundscapes, the night was a perfect mix of creativity and raw energy. I wholeheartedly recommend all three of these bands and can’t wait to see them return to Newcastle in the near future.
Song Recommendations:
Adult DVD: Bill Murray, Doomsday Prepper, Yacht Money
mary in the junkyard: goop, teeth, Tuesday
Sports Team: I’m In Love (Subaru), Fishing, Here’s The Thing