The Courteeners - Falcon (Polydor)

Perhaps there's something in the water in Manchester or maybe by some sheer coincidence a ludicrously large number of talented artists just happen to herald from the city. Enter The Courteeners, one of the more recent success stories who have had an impressive rise to fame since the release of their debut LP, St. Jude in 2008.

Two years on and the group have been singled out by no less than Morrissey as ones to watch and if truth be told, their overall sound is at times only a few stones removed from The Smiths. Their second record, Falcon, couples together some good solid rock songs with poignant ballads and lyrics. Even our favourite vegetarian would be proud as the songs brim with humour and cheek.

Aptly titled, 'The Opener' starts off sounding like a song by fellow Manchurians James, with its altogether sunny rock. And that's not even mentioning Liam Fray's vocals, which are at times reminiscent of Tim Booth's. At the song's core is a tribal beat that is juxtaposed by Fray's very English-sounding vocals (you can even hear his accent) and the result is something that's extremely feel good.

Another highlight is 'The Rest Of The World Has Gone Home,' a soft acoustic number where we mourn for the party that has long since finished (think the end of the first wedding in Four Weddings and a Funeral). As the title suggests, everybody has gone home but it's still sweet to see the band kick on with the festivities and it allows us all to celebrate a loss without getting too maudlin.

'Cameo Brooch' is a love song with keyboards that sound a lot like Richard Marx's 'Right Here Waiting'. Meanwhile, in 'Scratch Your Name Upon My Lips' you will feel like you've been transported back to 1982 where it was all about an Idol's white wedding, before things are brought home in a big old piano ballad, 'Last Of The Ladies'.

With its polished commercial sounds, earnest rock style and witty lyrics it's easy to see why The Courteeners are a band to watch, and while Falcon is a solid effort, it could be that their best work is around the next corner. Let us all stop and drink to Manchester and its colourful residents.

Rating: 3.5/5

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Artist: Courteeners Title: Falcon Released: 23/03/2010 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Courteeners Title: St Jude Released: 14/10/2008 Buy Now \| View Details

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The Courteeners' official website
http://www.thecourteeners.com/

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The Courteeners on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/thecourteeners

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Published: 06/03/2010 at 15:39
Author: Natalie Salvo
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