The Home Team is a four-piece heavy pop boy band based in Seattle, consisting of Brian Butcher (vocals), John Baran (guitar), Ryne Olson (bass), and Daniel Matson (drums). If this group hasn’t already hit your radar yet, you’re missing out.

I was first introduced to this group about two or three years ago when I was headed to Chicago to see Real Friends. The openers for their two-night double feature were Taylor Acorn, The Home Team, and With Confidence (RIP), who I had never listened to until that night. Let me tell you, never miss the openers if you can help it. I’m sad that it was the official breakup tour for With Confidence because it means I’ll never see them again, but I discovered two new incredible up and coming artists that night: Taylor Acorn and The Home Team.

This review is about The Home Team specifically, so getting back on track with them. Within the last couple of years, I’ve seen this group grow so much—from those back-to-back nights to sold-out headlining shows to, well, now, putting out new infectious single after single. They are on FIRE! 

The new track that just came out is titled “Worthy” and is absolutely one that’ll get stuck in your head. From the punch in the opener to the kick in on the energetic vocals, this is a song that deserves to be blasted full volume from your speaker. This is the anthem that you should be blaring in your car with windows down, driving down the freeway.

This song is meant to be listened to from two different perspectives, as it’s about two people trying to figure each other out in that early stage of a romance. The push and pull in the overall sound gives such an exhilarating feel, like those butterflies in your stomach, providing such an authentic sound. I love the way that this is described because when I feel butterflies in my stomach, it is often replicated by the way a bass beats at shows, and I can really feel everything. It’s such a fun play on music while seemingly being a love song—but with so much more.

I love the line, “I’ve never been in love before you,” because the idea that this relationship is different and more than past ones really makes one reflect on the idea of love. Because what is it really? Love is more than a feeling you have for someone or something—it’s a whole body, taking-over-your-every-thought-and-mind kind of deal. This song is absolutely WORTHY of streams, and I love how its title plays into the whole story the song provides.

“Worthy” is being released along with several other tracks to be a part of a DELUXE version of their most recent album, The Crucible of Life. According to vocalist Brian Butcher, this track was written at the same time, but is an indication to what’ll come next from the band. It’s a stepping stone from The Crucible of Life to the next journey. So we can definitely expect more music like this from The Home Team.

The deluxe version is set to come out on June 13, so you’ll have to wait on the other special extras, and you can pre-order your copy today. But until then, you can stream and scream along to “Worthy” to your heart’s content on all streaming platforms or at an upcoming tour near you!

The Home Team is heading out with Dance Gavin Dance for their “Return of the Robot Tour,” alongside Belmont and Dwellings, which kicks off in just one week! Get your tickets now because most of the cities are already low or sold out completely. Don’t miss out on (potentially) hearing “Worthy” live for the very first time—I’m sure it’ll sound amazing! Also don’t miss them on Warped Tour dates in Long Beach and Orlando this summer!