Courting - New Last Name - Album Review

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Courting released their sophomore album ‘New Last Name’ today, January 26th and it shows huge growth from their debut album ‘Guitar Music’. Originating from Liverpool, Courting are known for infusing their music with a compelling blend of post-punk and indie rock elements and pop culture references. With punchy guitar riffs, infectious rhythms and candid catchy lyricism, they take inspiration from artists such as Parquet Courts, Home Counties and Yard Act.

Courting's musical evolution from their debut album to their sophomore release is palpable, showcasing a notable maturity in both their songwriting and sound. While their debut album initially acquainted listeners with their infectious energy and raw talent, their latest album plunges into heartfelt pop lyricism while upholding Courting's signature upbeat instrumentals and distinctive style.

Courting has been actively promoting their album for some time now, even hosting a gig under the pseudonym “The Throwbecks”, humorously claiming they didn't show up, prompting Courting to perform their own songs instead. The album's marketing campaign has been fascinating to observe and has definitely grabbed the attention of their fan base.

Courting unleashed four electrifying singles, igniting the music scene with "Flex" on August 7th, followed by the fiery "Throw" on November 8th. The captivating melody of "Emily G" on December 14th mesmerised listeners, while the infectious beats of "We Look Good Together (Big Words)" on January 8th left fans craving more. Among these standout releases, "Emily G" and "We Look Good Together (Big Words)" shine as the prime highlights, showcasing Courting's remarkable musical abilities and clever lyrical compositions. These tracks stand out with a unique combination of skillful instrumentation and insightful wordplay.

Apart from the singles, one track that truly stands out for me on the full album is “Babys”, distinguished by its gentle introduction and the incorporation of a captivating saxophone. Among Courting's repertoire, “Babys” in my eyes, emerges as the most progressive release, seamlessly blending elements of indie rock with subtle yet evocative saxophone melodies, offering listeners a refreshing new sound.

"The Hills", "The Wedding", and "Happy Ending" share a cohesive ambiance, characterised by stripped-back moments that highlight their themes and emotional impact. These tracks form a harmonious blend within the album, each offering its unique narrative while contributing to the overall immersive experience.

The album concludes with “America”, opening softly and delving into the intricacies of modern relationships through its lyrics. The outro, featuring the album's title “You’ve got a new last name”, provides a fitting conclusion. Overall, Courting delivers a captivating release that leaves me eagerly anticipating their future musical evolution with their next project.

Despite the absence of a Cardiff date on their tour schedule, Courting will embark on a tour from February 6th to April 20th and will take the stage at Bristol Exchange on February 22nd with support from Cosmorat. 

Full Track-list:

1. Throw

2. We Look Good Together (Big Words)

3. The Hills

4. Flex

5. Emily G

6. Babys

7. The Wedding

8. Happy Endings

9. America

Details:

Release Date - 26th January 2023 / Record Label - Lower Third

Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/album/7DnPfehpIKOC7BVsUc0a8H?si=k1anCXWSTCyw550ASDVBKQ

Tour  - https://www.seetickets.com/tour/courting

Penny Rich Live in Porter’s

A storm of pure energy, Penny Rich bring Noise Rock to the student scene and are met with violent enthusiasm. Ear protection highly recommended!

Penny Rich came to Porter’s to perform a single launch show for their latest track ‘PC’ released via streaming services on the 24 th of November. But before they could close the show with the track, they tear up the stage with a mix of their hits from their debt album ‘If Everyone’s An Expert, What’s Left To Be Learnt?’.

A later show than most in Cardiff, the warmup acts started from 9pm. First up, a relatively new band FUBELT played a post-punk set, with hints of psychedelic rock mixed through their music. Droning guitars and almost chanting lyrics change rapidly into full punk screaming, shocking those who were unfamiliar with their work, while energising their fans. Next up was a band with slightly more experience, having been around since 2011 - This Is Wreckage. Their harsh basslines are reminiscent of Rage Against The Machine and, accompanied by grating vocals, their music has an overall grungy tone.

Penny Rich is extreme and certainly not for the faint hearted, but if you enjoy punk music or noise rock, then their live performance and crowd interaction will blow you away. Right out of the gates they create a wall of sound, attacking their instruments with reckless abandon. Their first track ‘Last Meal’ has the audience moving erratically along with the tempo, head banging to the gritty hook threaded through the piece. The vocals of both lead and backing singer are impressive to say the least, achieving almost chainsaw like screams and maintaining this energy to the very end, still managing prolonged growls in songs such as ‘Sugar Pill’.

The command they have over the crowd is unbelievable, successfully controlling the moshing whirlpool and even clearing a section for the bassist the jump into. Riled up fans attempt to jump onto the stage throughout the show, and encouraged by the band, a microphone is placed into the crowd for them to join in, people clamouring to be the first to shout along.

Closing the show, they thank the crowd for staying out late, and break into their brand-new single ‘PC’. The track is relentless making use of the reverb and feedback their setup allows, constantly creating an aggressive sound. Certainly a band to watch if punk music is your scene.

Set List: 1. Last Meal 2. Spirals 3. Violent Glitch 4. On and On 5. Sugar Pill 6. Expert 7. PC.

The Sweet, Tramshed, Cardiff, 17/12/2024

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The evening started well with a good set from the American Blues singer Sari Schoor.  I thought I should give the support act a mention!

I have to tell you the first single I ever bought was Blockbuster so I was really looking forward to this concert. Taking to the stage with what else but Action, as the set opener, the crowd in the packed Tramshed knew they were in for a great 90 minute set.

There are bona fide classics that original member Andy Scott knows that need to be played. These were all present. The band also played new material, such as Don't give me water and Changes from their forthcoming album Full Circle which were well received by the crowd.

Lead singer Paul Mansi delivers a fine vocal performance and the band's harmonies are spot on.  You can see this is a band that really enjoys playing together.

The last part of the set was filled with classics like Teenage Rampage, Love is like Oxygen and Blockbuster. The band  finished with what else but Ballroom Blitz, hands lapping and voices in unison, as The Sweet proved again why they are a class act.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of people in the crowd in their thirties, so the band are finding new fans all the time.

Try to catch these guys if you can!

Steve Davies YYFM

Beans on Toast: Live in The Globe 07/12/24

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With his new album ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’, released December 1st , Beans on Toast plays Cardiff The Globe and is met with a dedicated crowd, many of who already know the lyrics for his new tracks.

His sixteenth album so far, Beans on Toast, aka Jay McAllister, has been performing since 2005 and therefore brings an established fanbase with a wide range of ages out to venues.

Warming up the crowd Tensheds play first, a one-man band playing elaborate bluesy piano, a synth beat pedal, and singing simultaneously. His rasping vocals are emotional, and the lyrics are melancholic, yet his improvisatory piano playing is joyful.

Next up, Bassie Gracie performs poetry for the audience, prefacing some of her work with her concern that music audiences do not want to hear poetry, and serious poets find her work trivial. However, her poetry was witty and empowering, moving between conversational sections to rapid rhymes, all while maintaining the audience’s attention.

Both Tensheds and Bassie Gracie – now playing bass – return to the stage, forming Beans on Toast’s band for the tour. He kicks the set off with ‘Work to do’ from the new album, signing about social problems such as plastic pollution, global conflict, and mental health. Between the upbeat folk-like melody, and focus on the work giving humanity purpose, the song manages to have a cheerful and optimistic character.

B.O.T succeeds in leading sing-a-longs without even trying, the entire audience swaying, cheering, and belting out lyrics to one of his more popular songs ‘Watching the World Go By’. The audience reaches such a volume, that McAllister shouts “F*ck Yeah Cardiff! See you are gonna try to make this the best night of the tour!”.

Many of his songs focus on social issues, and how as a community we can overcome them. An example of a song combining both light-hearted fun, and a serious message is the M.D.M. Amazing and ‘The Children of Bedford’ mashup. Halfway through the first song, he pauses to tell the tale of a young fan interaction, of how it shocked him and his band, and how it inspired him to write a song cautioning regular drug usage. After telling the story, he begins ‘The Children of Bedford’ before resuming ‘M.D.M. Amazing’ and imploring his crowd to listen to the message behind both tracks.

The communication between B.O.T. and the crowd is phenomenal. Just before he begins the song ‘The Greenwash’ he invites a member of his team as well as two people from the crowd to join the band and him on stage. They act as his backing singers, after being taught their line to chant, and he regularly runs over to prompt them to join with varying levels of success. Just like the rest of his act, his message is serious, and yet he is still able to create an unusual and entertaining way of performing, managing to get the crowd to laugh, listen, and dance – a skill that has had the crowds turning up for him for 18 years.

Review - The Blockheads - Acapela Studio - 08/12/2023

Images Tony Woolway

There are few bands that could survive the loss of such an iconic figure like Ian Dury but the Blockheads continued gigging is credit to how much the band were an integral part of the legend that their input helped create alongside Dury’s wonderfully descriptive lyrics.

The band are quite simply a creative force of nature and whilst the tendency nowadays is to play their quite distinguished back catalogue they are prone to occasionally surprise with the addition of a new song or album track with that telltale Blockheads sound.

With Mike Bennett providing the vocals and proving a very able deputy for the late Dury you can forgive the band playing on autopilot such is their years of experience playing such memorable and much loved tunes. But on this evening’s performance the band were certainly anything but laboured and played with great enthusiasm that was contagious.

Long time bandmates John Turnbull and Chaz Jankel were in top form trading guitar licks with Jankel the king of rhythm whilst fellow Blockhesd stalwart Mick Gallagher’s keyboard mastery was the brandy in very tasty Christmas pudding.

Nathan King on bass was easily proving that there’s more the one top class musician in the family ( brother is Level 42’s Mark King) and gave Norman Watt -Roy’s stand- out bass lines a fresh update and with drummer John Roberts solid drumming allowing the band to thrive, with Dave Lewis adding the icing with some sultry and punchy saxophone.

Classic Blockheads tune followed tune with the opening track on the brilliant New Boots and Panties, “ Wake Up And Make Love To Me” setting a high bar straight from the off. It was lovely to see old tunes like “Lullaby for Francies” and “Sink My Boats” getting an airing and quite refreshing it was to hear these two seldom played songs.

The massive selling “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” with its line, “In the dock of Tiger Bay” received cheers as did a raucous, full-on version of the band’s long held signature tune “Blockheads” which brought the evening to a successful and very satisfying conclusion.

The band return to the same venue in 2024, you’ll be sad to miss it.

Tony Woolway

Pet Needs: Live in Clwb Ifor Bach 24/11/2023

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Leaping across the stage, Pet Needs gets their crowd moshing to a unique blend of punk music.

Walking out to an onslaught of cheers, they make clear how much they appreciate their fanbase, a feeling that is reciprocated. The band has been able to support itself financially for two years now, and instead of discussing merch, the band chose to praise their warmup acts and their friends who helped make touring possible. The first warm-up act of the night was Private Party - a relatively new indie pop group, with bright guitar solos, and catchy melodies from their vocalist Violet.

The second support act was Glitchers - covered in duct tape and playing gritty hardcore punk music, they pull increasingly chaotic antic on stage while singing about their problems with the politicians and modern-day society. Pet Needs had one of the best setups I have seen in Clwb Ifor Bach, but that might be due to the sheer number of people that filled the venue. They used the booths for their merchandise, consequently forcing people to stand up patiently and wait for the acts to begin, creating an immediate crowd in front of the stage.

A refreshing take on punk music, Pet Needs switches between different intensities of the genre, keeping the set engaging and unpredictable. At times songs such as ‘Kayak’ appear to be heavy punk rock, with distorted guitar solos and full shouts – encouraging chaos in both the moshing audience and the lead singer jumping across the stage. Whereas songs like ‘Tracey Emin’s Bed’, while still punk, feel much more like early 2000s Blink 182, following a singable melody and anthemic choruses. Between songs the band makes sure to promote their third album ‘Intermittent Fast Living’, coming out next February 16th, even playing ‘Separation Anxiety’ a single off the album, building anticipation for the release.

Pet Needs made one thing very clear to their audience, that they expected enthusiasm and energy. At times they dare the audience to out-jump and sing their previous crowds, stating “Every show before this has been a warmup for Cardiff!” and encouraging them to put Bath (the previous night’s venue) to shame. Jack Lock on drums, Ryan Sharman playing bass, George Mariott playing guitar and lead singer Johnny Mariott finish off the show with the same high energy as they started it, being sure to thank the sound team and promising to play again with the new album next year.

Set List: 1. Separation Anxiety 2. Tracey Emin’s Bed 3. Ibiza in Winter 4. Fear for the Whole Damn World 5. Overcompensating 6. Tried and Failed 7. Primetime Entertainment 8. Kayak 9. Pavlovian 10. As the Spin Cycle Span 11. Scratch Card 12. Punk Isn’t Dead 13. Lost Again 14. Toothpaste 15. Get on the Roof

Review - Blow Monkeys - The Globe, Cardiff - 30/11/2023

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Formed in 1981 and still going strong 41 years later The Blow Monkeys have enjoyed a successful and critically acclaimed career. Splitting up in the early nineties, a welcome return in the mid-2000’s with a clutch of well received recordings, there was no getting away from the very recognisable Blow Monkey sound and distinctive Dr Robert stylish vocals which proved there’s still plenty more to come from the band,

It was a good sized crowd that turned out at The Globe for the band’s return and they provided a quite stunning evening that induced a nostalgic yearning for many whilst any newbie’s in attendance couldn’t fail to be hooked by the sultry soul funk that’s become the band’s trademark sound over the years.

Quickly into there stride from the off, and with Dr Robert (Robert Howard) the obvious focal point, he charmed the crowd with good humour in between some classy Monkey’s tunes that both musically and lyrically have stood the test of time. A fierce critic of government wrongdoing through the decades there was certainly no let up and cooling of their opinions.

Great versions of the classic “Digging Your Scene” and "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way” were obviously fan favourites for the evening but equally, impressive was “Wait” and their cover of Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” (Recorded specifically for the film Dirty Dancing). All showcased a tight and talented band with longtime bassist Mick Anker leading the way and supplying the funk.

Rounding up the evening with the brilliant Curtis Mayfield classic “Superfly” the band left a crowd to go out into a chilly November evening warmed by a band who can still produce and relevant despite the years.

Ian Prowse and Nico

No review would be complete without special mention for the evening’s support, former Pele front man Ian Prowse. With just his guitar and violinist Nico he was the perfect accompaniment for the headline band. His songs, strong and direct, especially “My Name Is Dessie Warren” and “Does This Train Stop in Merseyside” were very emotive and thought provoking. But his staring down of noisy punters who chatted away oblivious to the those listening (trying to listen) made him a hero and helped set the tone for the rest of the night.

Tony Woolway

Funke and the Two Tone Baby Live in Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach - 15/11/2023

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The one-man band phenomenon blends blues melodies with electronic dance music for a night of celebration and joy.

Friendly chatter fills the inside of Clwb Ifor Bach, with Dan Turnbull the mastermind behind Funke and the Two Tone Baby, happily stood by the bar talking with fans before the show. His relaxed manner welcomed them over, allowing the concert to have a personal feeling, where each fan could dance and cheer along to his music as he matched their energy on stage.

Before his set could begin, Wet Paint warmed up the crowd with a folk-rock set. The four-piece band all sat on stools with their instruments, taking turns to announce which one of the singer-songwriters was responsible for the next tune and joking with each other on stage. They regularly switched who was the lead singer and joined together for soaring four-part harmonies in the choruses. From slower folk ballads to upbeat blues songs filled with guitar and harmonica solos, the group created a joyous sound filling the venue and getting the whole crowd to cheer and tap along.

F.T.T.B takes to the stage and swiftly builds his first song using a looping pedal. Layering guitar chords, drumbeats, and keyboard synths, he can freely sing the lyrics over the top of his song. His energy is infectious as he darts around his setup, making the show enjoyable for all, whether you are familiar with his music or not

. The tour supports his latest album ‘Reacclimate’, with yellow merchandise side of the stage available for the crowd to buy, many of which are already decked out in a variety of yellow items and accessories. He informs the crowd that he is going to play through the albums in its entirety, before playing a few of his previous hits. F.T.TB mixes a wide range of genres, with songs such as ‘Can’t Stop the Music’ having a blues tone, with raspy vocals, harmonica, and rhythmic guitar solos, adding to the piece’s groove.

As ‘One in a Million’ focuses more on electro dance music, with bouncy synth loops, vocal effects, and small beat drops before each chorus encouraging the crowd into a frenzy. He takes a break from the upbeat electro songs from his album to share a moving tribute to his late girlfriend, revealing the reason for the yellow album and tour theme as it was her favorite colour, going on to play ‘Ani’s Song’. Both the artist and much of the crowd are brought to tears by the end of the song, and Turnball is met with cheers as people wipe their eyes.

Resuming the upbeat electric dance music, F.T.T.B finishes up his album set and moves onto hits such as ‘Not Enough Bonobo’ to finish his performance, leaving his setup to march to the front of the stage and lead a sing-along, and getting the whole crowd jumping. Entering the swarming crowd, he is lifted by the fans as he continues to sing, a shock for all involved, yet the playful scene perfectly shows the appreciation of the crowd for Turnbull’s talent. A perfect ending for an emotional rollercoaster of a show.

Emily Powell-Chandler