Courting – ‘Flex’
In the aftermath of their acclaimed debut album ‘Guitar Music’, Liverpool four-piece Courting are forging ahead with their new single ‘Flex’.
Courting began making ripples in the Liverpool music scene after their formation in 2018. Composed of Sean Murphy-O’Neill (vocals/guitar), Sean Thomas (drums), Joshua Cope (guitar) and Connor McCann (bass), the group saw the release of their first single ‘Not Yr Man’ in 2019. Despite the restrictions of the global pandemic, the group persevered. They received mainstream recognition when their 2020 single ‘Football’ landed radio spots on BBC Radio 1 and 6 and went on to release their praised debut EP ‘Grand National’ in 2021. Primed for success, they released their debut album ‘Guitar Music’ in 2022. It was met with extensive press coverage and unanimous acclaim, eventually followed by an extensive autumn UK headline tour.
Since then, Courting has made several festival appearances and supported indie rock band Circa Waves through their sold-out UK tour. ‘Flex’ emerges with the chaos and vivacity of the band’s existing catalogue. Opening with a twangy lick, Courting breaks down assumptions with an early assertion – “I’m not a pop-punk band.” The four-minute track goes on to push the boundaries of this conventional label with a charmingly boisterous flair driven by turbocharged guitar runs, punchy vocals and lustrous trumpet notes.
Enlisting the swirling hyper pop and post-punk sensibilities that drew attention to their debut album, ‘Flex’ is a tasteful addition to the group’s budding discography. Accompanied by a theatrical found footage-style music video that humorously documents the behind-the-scenes lifestyle of a pop-star, it captures the angst of being publicised and longing for distant relationships that the song exudes. The lively new single seems to indicate an exciting direction for Courting, who have gathered plenty of achievements to relish in throughout their fresh career.
Words by Kayla Sandiford
