Album Review: Courting - 'Guitar Music'
Courting expertly tow the line between bedlam and coherence in their enthralling debut album ‘Guitar Music’.
Hailing from Liverpool, the four-piece consist of frontman Sean Murphy-O’Neill, Sean Thomas, Michael Downes, and Sean Brennan. This LP follows their well-received EP ‘Grand National’ from 2021 and is sure to continue their ascent up the Radio 6 billing.
Opener ‘Twin Cities’ declares in no uncertain terms that the album will be an innovative take on the indie pop and post-punk scenes. The album that follows lives up to this introduction, in what is one of the most exciting debuts I have heard in years.
Following the opener are two tracks released as singles over the past couple of months. ‘Tennis’ introduces the electronic chaos of ‘Twin Cities’ to a deep rumbling bassline and spoken word lyricism, reminiscent of more than a few Dry Cleaning tracks.
‘Loaded’ represents a more energetic approach from Murphy-O’Neill who ups the tempo whilst likening the gentrification of Northern cities to stories of the capital. The guitar work on both tracks are unique in their setting if not innovative in their own rights. This is what ‘Guitar Music’ does so well, though, bringing together experimental pop, rock, indie and, hip hop influences to a fascinating and dazzling effect.
‘Famous’ is a fine example of this, a mix of chaotic pop in the vein of SOPHIE and the grumbling bassline and overdrive-fuelled guitars we are now accustomed to. ‘Loaded’, just a couple of tracks later, suddenly flings itself at you bawling over love and waving an American flag. It’s one of the most enjoyable tunes on the album and perfectly encapsulates Murphy-O’Neill’s reflection on the album: “Guitar Music is realising you actually love the music you hated when you were 13”. I’m not sure if he means Talking Heads or Busted either.
Then just like that, after Uncanny Valley and PDA, the fun is finished. Although short, ‘Guitar Music’ does not feel rushed; it has flown by and leaves you wanting more, as all good albums do. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Words by Dan Thompson
