Marketplace: Contact Sports – Single Review

Marketplace: Contact Sports

Out Now

Self Release, Digital

Indie-Alt-Pop 5-piece Marketplace have announced their upcoming new EP, Marketplace Mean Business, and released the radiant new single Contact Sports. The Hartlepool based band are currently riding a wave of critical acclaim ahead of their upcoming UK tour, including slots at The Great Escape and Y Not Festival.

Produced by Chad Rodgers (Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Cape Cub), Contact Sports showcases the band’s joyous indie-pop sensibilities, radiating with energy through buoyant, bright riffs. Driven by its infectious, guitar-led backdrop that radiates a confident yet carefree attitude as the vocals deliver melodies which it’s easy to imagine a crowd singing back at the band. Subtle synth lines punctuate the sound as the tightly locked bass and drums keep the track driving forwards into the infectious chorus.

The track thrives on dynamic contrasts—bright, effervescent melodies layered over punchy percussion and crisp production, creating a sonic landscape that feels both exhilarating and effortlessly cool. It’s got the feel of an early 2000’s indie hit whilst bringing a crunchy, fresh alt-pop flare which makes it distinctly current.

Lyrically, Contact Sports captures the rush of new romantic uncertainty, where emotions swing between excitement and hesitation. Vocalist Evie Rhodes’ delivery is equal parts sincere and playful, perfectly reflecting the song’s theme of tentative yet undeniable attraction.

She explains: “’Contact Sports’ is about budding romances, where everything is touch and go, and where you know you really like someone but you’re still trying to convince yourself it’s not that serious.

We took a lot of inspiration for this song from bands like The Beths and their style of scrappy love songs that are just so unapologetically sincere without being too serious. The song kind of reads like I’m just crashing out and riding through a train of thought, so I think that balance of lighthearted sincerity was something we tried to capture.”

With previous live shows supporting acts like Alfie Templeman, Swim Deep, and The Lottery Winners, Marketplace have already proven their ability to command a stage ahead of the upcoming tour. With the new EP also on the horizon, the band are certainly one to keep an eye on.

Follow Marketplace

~

All words by Simon Lucas-Hughes. More writing by Simon Lucas-Hughes can be found at his author’s archive.