Liverpool-based four piece, Courting are the latest new act to emerge from the city steeped in such fantastic and diverse musical heritage. The band, who write and rehearse in the basement of a city restaurant, find inspiration from the creative melting pot of Merseyside. And with fellow locals The Mysterines making waves. This could be the dawn for another exciting wave of scouse bands.
On one hand Courting draw influences from the likes of Parquet Courts, Pavement and LCD Soundsystem, yet maintain a very British identity. Subsequently they’re fuelling the long-awaited Britpop revival we’re seeing, alongside the likes of Sports Team – showcasing all the characteristics of the genre, and announcing the emergence of Liverpool’s most exciting new band.
Popshop!
‘Popshop!’, a short, fast paced song, with lyrics offering wry bemusement about the commodification of music.
Sharp-witted frontman Sean Murphy-O’Neill — who, remarkably, is still in college; the band are all 18 or 19-years-old – offers his break down of the track. “Popshop is about the music industry. The idea of selling out and consumerism. The name is derived from Keith Haring’s store of the same name. And the idea that it is positive for your art to be consumed by a larger audience. Rather than only seen as something for upper class art collectors or something to buy for its future resale value. We’re also poking fun at bands writing the same song over and over again. And wishing that we could sell our bathwater like Belle Delphine.”
Meanwhile the guitar-driven music underpinning the lyrics benefits from the tightness you get when a band is living out of each other’s pockets. And just as adept at belligerently shreddy wig-outs reminiscent of Parquet Courts’ crankier bits as they are at ramming the hook home with an unforgettable riff. There’s a lot to endear to.
Having supported the likes of Sports Team, FEET and Heavy Lungs. The band have also started to build an army of local fans. With their last few shows around Liverpool selling out rapidly. Courting are now set to unleash their ferocious and witty take on britpop and be the latest in succession of this great city’s artists.
Courting are: Sean Murphy-O’Neill – Guitar/Vocals/Cowbell Sean Thomas – Drums/Vocals Michael Downes – Guitar Sam Brennan – Bass