Manchester’s Courteeners have been one of the UK’s leading indie bands since the release of 2008’s ‘St Jude’, a record that set out blueprints for rock-solid songwriting and communal feeling. The group now return with the eclectic ‘Pink Cactus Café’, which takes their sound in some intriguing and ambitious directions, resulting in one of their most accomplished and varied records to date.
Opener Sweet Surrender features rising star Brooke Coombe on backing vocals, adding an extra layer to their sound, while the opening riffs have a vaguely psychedelic flavour to them. There is room for a boisterous, fuzzy solo in the outro that again showcases something slightly different.
Weekend Shy Of A Feeling is a softer listen and, as a result, it’s more run of the mill. The title track is more like it, with a jangly, whistling-accompanied intro that showcases the band’s pop sensibilities. It is sure to be a fan favourite, as is the Solitude of The Night Bus, which packs wry lyrics and earworm chorus.
Where Are We Now, meanwhile, is another departure, with its piano intro gradual build leading to a soaring chorus. The keys aren’t anything mind-bending — they feel closer to Coldplay or Keane — but, again, it shows they aren’t content to stick in one lane.
The Beginning of The End, which features Australian group DMA’s, is one of the rockiest tracks on the LP, the styles of the two bands combining nicely in a winning blend. Another collaboration with an upcoming act is First Name Terms with Pixey — her vocals work beautifully with Liam Fray’s.
‘Pink Cactus Café’ is one of Courteeners’ most wide-ranging albums to date and, while it might not all work, the fresh faces and broader sonic palette are to be appreciated. The band could easily have gone through the motions but instead they have challenged themselves and shared the spotlight with artists just starting out, which is to be applauded. It’s easy to see many of the tracks going down a storm live, which has become the benchmark for the band.
The Courteeners Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu November 14 2024 - GLASGOW OVO Hydro
Fri November 15 2024 - MANCHESTER Co-op Live
Sat November 16 2024 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Thu November 21 2024 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Fri November 22 2024 - CARDIFF Utilita Arena
Sat November 23 2024 - BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
