Here’s the thing…Sports Team are a band of six singular characters who have been variously described as one of the most raucous, electrifying and chaotic acts in the UK. Today the band announce their debut album Deep Down Happy. The highly anticipated record, out on 3rd April, follows the acclaimed EPs, Winter Nets and Keep Walking!, and is their first release on the legendary Island Records label.

Sports Team came up on the back of word of mouth live hype, drawing round the block queues to chaotic early gigs at The Five Bells and Moth Club before releasing any music. Recording their first EP (Winter Nets) in a converted Timberyard in Hammersmith, the band have consistently set themselves apart from the acts they came up playing with, showing an intoxicating ambition, and their debut album Deep Down Happy, looks set to deliver on all bold claims, and confirm their place at the head of a group of young guitar acts.

Talking about the record charismatic frontman Alex Rice says: “I don’t think we were conscious of doing it but the album maps the journey of moving in together in Harlesden, moving back to home towns to sleep on floors for 18 months, then coming back to London, weighing up whether being in a band with your mates, being young in London is still the best thing in the world. I think it probably is.”

It’s a week of highs and hangovers for the now Camberwell-based 6-piece, releasing their new single ‘Here’s The Thing’ following an Annie Mac Hottest Record. In the official video Alex had to master the physical demands and complex moves of a cheerleader and trained with Mana Cheerleading squad – the best in the UK. ‘Here’s The Thing’ is the first Sports Team track to also feature guitarist and principal songwriter Rob Knaggs on vocals, with the two friends and protagonists forming an unruly, and utterly charming pairing.

“In a remarkably short period of time, Sports Team have risen to become one of the most prominent and exciting bands in the UK scene” – NME

“The impressive six-piece bring middle England’s romance and ennui to life, and are a reminder of why guitar bands work” – The Guardian

“Brilliant live, fantastic on record and with a personality big enough to dominate any space. Wembley awaits.” – Dork

“Whispers of Sports Team’s performances and the absolute imperative to see the band in the flesh have spread like wildfire” – Noisey