Following on from the release of their highly-praised debut LP 'Guitar Music' last year, Courting have now announced their plans for a new studio album, due out early next year.
The new full-length 'New Last Name' was co-produced alongside Gary and Ryan Jarman of The Cribs, is being previewed by the new lead single 'Throw', and is set to be released on the 26th January via Lower Third.
Speaking about the new offering, the band's Murphy O’Neill said, “We wanted to write a song with a plot twist, a song that could be described as “an epic.”
While Gary Jarman of The Cribs added about working with the group, "We had really enjoyed their debut LP “Guitar Music” - the knowing title and the freedom with which they were prepared to sabotage their melodies with noise really spoke to us. But underneath all of that restless experimentalism and layers of chaos it was clear that there was some very sophisticated songwriting going on. So we were really excited to see how they approached their follow up LP. The recording of a second album can be the most consequential time in an artists career - either the moment that their ability catches up with their enthusiasm and the real magic happens, or conversely the struggle to follow up on that first flush of inspiration (the dreaded sophomore slump). We knew as soon as we heard the demos that Courting were taking the step up to the next level.
"Anyway - we could go on and on about how this is one of those bands of an increasingly rare breed - a group of people who need each other, personally and creatively, and how that translates through the music…but that would all be distraction from the main point here - that Courting have really stepped up to the moment and made an incredible pop album (every song sounds like a hit to us!), without compromise and without fear."
Have a listen to 'Throw' in the player and see the album's full tracklisting below.
'New Last Name' Tracklist:
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