By James Hall, Law
'Not on a tour, but a victory lap', James Hall reviews Courteeners at Bristol's O2 Academy
Few bands have captured the imagination of Britain’s more alternatively-inclined like The Courteeners. A decade on from their emphatic debut album, St Jude, the Manchester three-piece arrived in Bristol on the back of a string of sold-out shows to continue their conquest of this tiny island, promising the usual brand of anthemic, kitchen-sink indie rock that has firmly cemented their position as a “people’s band”.
It’s a moniker not undeserved. The atmosphere on entry was more Old Trafford than O2 Academy, with collective chants, nomadic two-pint cups, and the nostalgic smell of half-digested San Miguel each taking their respective places among the swathes of Liam Fray’s Fred Perry clad subjects. It’s a background that the frontman’s relatable, down to earth lyrics have had more than a small hand in cultivating, but one that has resulted in an almost idol worship, evident in repeated chants of “Li-am, Li-am, Li-am”.
As the lights went down, the band opted not to appear to the ubiquitous chords of Manc-compatriots Oasis, instead swaggering on stage to roar of north-western neighbor Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die. A calculated move, perhaps, but one that paid off. By the time the first bass drum reverberated on Are You in Love with a Notion? The crowd were already frenzied.
Community was a theme that continued throughout the night, with Fray informing the audience that work tomorrow was entirely optional, drawing a hearty, if predictable reaction. So hung on his every word as they were, one would be forgiven for thinking that a few people might’ve called in on his authority the morning after. Courteenitis, it would appear, was catching. “We’re having such a good time” Fray sings in new track The 17th, lingering on the singable chorus a little longer than normal as if to nod at the audience.
Though the band stuck sharply to a formula of elementary indie rock, their reading of the room was impeccable. There was no problem in transitioning from fast, jumpy hits like Cavorting to slower, more thoughtful pieces played solo by Fray, which were received as if an encore in themselves. And when the preliminary chords of 'Not Nineteen Forever', long-teased by Fray, and left in the actual encore, sounded out, the sense of anticipation across the room was palpable.
“Goodnight, Bristol” he said, before launching into the song that put The Courteeners on the map all those years ago with howitzer-like force.
“I think it’s time for me and you to take over the world.” Fray opined on the band’s sophomore album, setting into motion a chain of events culminating in a home-coming performance to fifty thousand adoring fans. With audiences growing, and gigs consistently selling out in seconds, it’s easy to feel that the band are already there, embarking not on a tour, but a victory lap.
Featured Image: James Hall/ Epigram
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