Relationships are hard. It doesn’t matter if you’re eighteen or fifty-three. On their sophomore album, Ohio’s SPORTS detail what exactly makes them so difficult, taking you from denial to moving on.

Opening track “Stunted” starts at the end of a relationship. Throughout the ten songs, Carmen Perry narrates the ups and downs of the breakup process and hits all the major milestones. She begins (and unfortunately ends) with the lows: the grief and heartache. By track two “Saturday,” she’s trying to make changes for the better. Most of the songs tackle her ability to get over and on with her life and the desire to move on underscores the whole album. At perhaps her most truthful, Perry sings, “Take my mind off the empty space in this heart of mine and I’ll take your mind off the empty space in your bed tonight.” It’s a feeling as clear as it is relatable and her delivery explains there's no one to feel sorry for.

Throughout All of Something, Perry and co. never hide behind misery. In fact, the album acts as a positive response to an otherwise heartbreaking ordeal. The indie aspects compliment Perry’s vocals, giving the sadder situations a necessary pick-me-up. They prove you don’t need quiet acoustic guitar to effectively grieve. Even as self-deprecating as she can be, Perry hardly scolds herself. It’s clear she’s struggling but demonstrates no evidence of weakness. Her past is a learning experience more than a black spot. She’s self-aware and lyrics like, “I can take care of myself, I just wish sometimes that I didn’t have to” show a vulnerability only admitted from a better place. Breakups are about acceptance. Perry, while sometimes in pain, approaches the subject with inspiring strength. 

All of Something is a post-breakup record. SPORTS do a great job guiding you to the peace there is to be made with love lost. Because, as the title suggests, “It’s okay to feel all of something.” The album is reminiscent Lemuria’s breakthrough, Get Better. That album was equally as raw, if a little more tortured, and made the band a punk rock presence. All of Something should do the same for SPORTS.