Sportsfan

According to their Facebook page, Sportsfan describe their sound as “jean jacket rock,” which aptly captures their light and laid-back style with its tinge of grunge. If in search for a fun mix of songs to add to your summer playlist – anti-denim folk and jean jacket aficionados alike – Sportsfan’s new EP begs for a listen.

Ali Haberstroh’s voice, soothing yet slightly somber, lures the listener into the album’s opening track, “Deep End.” Interwoven with gentle “oohs,” Haberstroh’s vocals are complemented by a tranquil instrumental. However, once Dylan Ryan’s drumming kicks in, the seams of the track’s seemingly tame structure begin to unravel. What started as a soft and steady song ruptures into a delightful frenzy; unhinged, a wild medley of electrifying instrumental ensues.

With “Gabriel” Sportsfan infuse their accessible strain of garage rock with verve and vigor. Loaded with spirited drums and guitar, the buoyant instrumental urges one to bop along, while Haberstroh’s honeyed vocals wail alongside the dance-inducing clamor. Holy Hell’s final track, “Runner’s High,” exhibits Haberstroh’s lyrical playfulness. The lines “Seems I’ve lost my mind, everything’s just fine. Everything’s just great, and I’m bat-shit insane,” are especially relatable. Then, with less than a minute to spare, the band breaks into a fiery jam redolent of late ‘70s power pop and draws the album to a close.

With Holy Hell, jean-jacket-rockers Sportsfan have crafted an indie rock gem ideal for easy summer listening.

Top Track: “Deep End”

Rating: Proud Hoot (Really Good) - Grayowl Point

Toronto four-piece Sportsfan lived up to their band name with ode to Blue Jays pitching star "Stroman" last year, and they're keeping the athletic streak going with a video for "Runner's High."

The track comes from the band's recent sophomore EP Holy Hell, showcasing their playful indie rock vibes. The accompanying video, meanwhile, was directed and edited by the group's own Ali Haberstroh and shot by their filmmaker friend Kurtis Watson.

Apparently, the clip was inspired by a trip to a Conan taping that left her wishing Sportsfan were the featured musical guest.

"As long time fans of Conan, from his Simpsons days to being king of late night, we wanted to implant ourselves in his '90s heyday and make a video that put us right there with him," Haberstroh tells Exclaim! "I took the opening throw-to from his introduction to the Barenaked Ladies from a 1998 clip overly praising the band, and poorly chopped our own band name and EP title overtop — to protect ourselves with parody law, while also making a SWEET goof."

You can see it all for yourself by watching the video for "Runner's High" below. If you like what you see, be sure to catch the band at their upcoming Toronto show this Friday (June 16) at the Baby G. - Exclaim

The MLB post-season is almost here, and if Toronto quartet Sportsfan's band name didn't already tip you off, they're ready for some October action. Showing their support for Wild Card hopefuls the Blue Jays, the band have just unveiled a stadium-ready single called "Stroman."

Dedicated to Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, the pop-rock cut is all about rallying behind the team while sitting deep in the bleachers with a Bud in your hand.

Surrounded by a mound of equipment, the video has Sportsfan rocking an infield in non-regulation gear. Vocalist/guitarist Ali Haberstroh makes the best effort to sport a bit of blue and white; six-stringer Simon Outhit dangles a cigarette out of his mouth while cracking out his solo.

You'll find Sportfan's tributary rally anthem down below. - Exclaim