Album Review: Cub Sport - Cub Sport

As the nation grappled for many years with the notion of same-sex marriage, Cub Sport’s Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield led by example and got engaged in 2017 as the debate raged on. Despite a 'wannabe desire' to be seen as progressive, the fact remains that Australia was one of the last countries in the West to legalise same-sex marriage. Luckily the Cub Sport betrothed didn’t have to endure a long engagement and were married in August last year. Amid this, it’s reassuring to see that Cub Sport attracts a diverse crowd of fans who are simply there for the music. It is in this context that the new self-titled Cub Sport album has its genesis. 

While previous album BATS offered immersive pop confection that was a touch introspective, Cub Sport reaches so much deeper. Deflecting the temptation to be political, Cub Sport deals an album that focuses on more personal concerns. An album overflowing with a lush profusion of same-sex love songs with broad demographic appeal is surely in itself though a sign of the times.

The opening track Unwinding Myself finds Nelson really laying it all out and lyrically coming to terms with and understanding himself. It’s a strong and brave opening as Nelson sings without the accompaniment of his band. Once they start to chime in, they bring soft, fuzzy synths that sway to a gentle R&B and disco groove. Personal growth continues to be a strong theme across the album, with cuts like Light II and Trees delivering chilled meditations on life and Nelson’s dreams for the future. Come Out introspectively contemplates the situation many in the LGBTIQ community eventually must confront. 

Across this release, Cub Sport are at pains to demonstrate that romance isn’t dead. Much of this album is just so hopelessly romantic in tone, even the most jaded would feel uplifted. Nelson’s vocals coo and swoon dreamily in falsetto with declarations of unfettered love that positively burst with joy and hope. The innocence of Summer Lover, which longingly reminisces about the joys of summer holidays by the beach, is Cub Sport at their absolute sweetest. Video, which features Aussie rapper Mallrat, moves in a similar vein but bounces irresistibly with happiness in its heart. There’s a realness about this album with the delivery of lived emotions, perhaps best exemplified by the tender ache of As Long As You’re Happy.

Sometimes proves to be a highlight as it paces through a gentle swell of emotions before bursting into action with a proper, life-affirming dancefloor stomp. Limousine chugs to a house beat as Nelson wearily contemplates the implications of the band's growing fandom: while their schedule keeps them busy, the back of a limo offers respite and the opportunity for reflection. ‘Love is Love’ and Cub Sport makes sure that cupid squarely takes aim at their listeners' hearts.