14th November | O2 Academy
Courteeners are a band who constantly smash it. Selling out tonight’s show within minutes of tickets going on sale – the Manchester group take to the stage of O2 Academy exactly two years on with their new album Mapping The Rendezvous.
Opening with arguably one of their most loved tracks ‘Are You In Love With A Notion’, the crowd instantly throw themselves into a frenzy shouting each word back to lead singer Liam Fray. There’s humility in their lyrics – it’s relatable, raw and reflective and their loyal fan base mirrors that. A mixture of delicate keys and climactic choruses; the quartet teased fans into an emotional whirlwind whilst swinging pints into the air (£5 pints may I add, but hey it’s Courteeners).
In true Courteeners fashion frontman Liam Fray takes to the stage to perform a trio of songs acoustically, attempting to get the crowd to simmer down and listen; not a one-man job but if anyone can do it, he can. A cocktail of songs from album’s St Jude and Mapping the Rendezvous, Fray plays ‘Smiths Disco’ ‘Please Don’t’ and ‘De La Salle’ – his vocals shining through and it is clear he has no problem soaking in the limelight. Imminently the band regroup to finish their set with fan favourites ‘You’re Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘What Took You So Long’ sending the crowd back into a sea of Harrington jackets and red stripe cans.
The British indie rockers haven’t been to everyone’s taste since forming in 2008. Liam Fray was once referred to as a “Poor man’s Liam Gallagher who’s too big for his boots” – but with closures of many venues from the iconic ‘Fabric’ in London to Bristol’s very own ‘Start the Bus’, a band like the Courteeners is what we need. A vigorous band with infectious tunes, owning a room full of dedicated music fans who have so much energy to shell out.
Courteeners are predictable both in their performance and ironically their choice of dates, but that’s their charm and that’s what sells out their shows. If it’s not broken don’t fix it and all that. I for one am looking forward to watching them again, this time next year.
HANNAH RYAN 