Returning with their third album in three years, Courting has maintained their upward momentum, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the UK indie scene, showing no signs of slowing down with their latest release. As they present ‘Lust For Life, Or: ‘How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story’’, the band lays everything on the table, with this body of work representing the culmination of their efforts over the past few years, pushing their distinctive mix of indie, hyper-pop, and experimental rock to new levels.
Clocking in at 25 minutes, the album is thoughtfully crafted at every step, from the title and tracklisting to the cover art. Lead singer Sean Murphy-O'Neil shares, “I was bored of overthinking; this album is what it is – something immediate, with no excess.” This sentiment is evident from the outset, with ‘Rollback Intro’ and ‘Stealth Rollback’ immediately drawing listeners in. The former features beautifully elegant strings that create a sense of comfort, while the latter signals a brief experimental shift for the band, bursting into a breakbeat electro-infused anthem.
Throughout the album, there are frequent nostalgic references to the classic UK indie sound reminiscent of the late 2000s to early 2010s, as seen in ‘Pause At You’, adorned with distorted vocals, a charming bassline, and an infectious chorus that offers everything one might hope for from a Courting album. Additionally, ‘Namcy’ continues this trend with its charismatic, witty storytelling, melodic riffs, and reflective choruses about better times. The allure of the Liverpool-based band’s new album is undeniable, and the shorter length of most tracks allows them to pass by swiftly, yet each leaves a well-considered and impactful impression.
‘Eleven Sent’ enhances this beauty and cultivates a comforting atmosphere through soft jazz influences intertwining with soothing vocals. As the song progresses, it portrays a one-sided love story, culminating in lyrics that state: “I could’ve died in your arms tonight, but there was something wrong with the release form. Two signatures required, it might’ve been nice to cosign. Would’ve been nice to cosign.” Furthermore, ‘After You’ stands as the album's heaviest rock track, continuing the narrative from ‘Eleven Sent’, longing for the imagined life of the two characters, with Murphy-O'Neil singing: “I would sink or swim, can’t quite tell the year but I’d tell you it’s him. And I would see you round the back, and I would walk you down the aisle.”
Ironically, ‘After You’, the album's heaviest rock single, is followed by ‘Lust For Life’, an Iggy Pop-inspired title with a more melancholic, bass-driven feel. Closing the album is ‘Likely Place For Them To Be’, where the band once again showcases their technical skill in crafting iconic indie riffs, paired with vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on a pop-punk album.
‘Lust For Life, Or: ‘How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story’ is captivating, fueled by passion and fun, yet crafted with clear purpose. Everything Courting has done has been thoughtfully constructed up to this point, executed with the band's specific vision in mind from beginning to end.
7/10
Words: Ben Broyd
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