Courteeners are back with their seventh studio album, 'Pink Cactus Café,' set to drop on October 25th featuring a rich tapestry of collaborations, showcasing a refreshed yet familiar sound. The announcement is paired with the release of their new single, 'Solitude Of The Night Bus,' accompanied by unique and trippy visuals.
British indie rock titans Courteeners have announced their eagerly awaited seventh studio album, 'Pink Cactus Café,' slated for release on October 25th. This exciting news comes alongside their new single, 'Solitude Of The Night Bus,' which arrives with a captivating music video directed by Dom Foster.
The new single, 'Solitude Of The Night Bus,' offers a tantalising glimpse into the sonic evolution of Courteeners. It blends euphoric electronic-pop elements with their classic indie roots, punctuated by an infectious whistle that resonates long after the track ends. The song captures the bittersweet essence of solitude and the anticipation of new beginnings, all set against the backdrop of a late-night bus journey.
In the accompanying video, lead singer Liam Fray takes a nocturnal ride on the No. 17 bus, with the vibrant artwork from 'Pink Cactus Café' coming to life around him. Fray reflects on the single, saying,
“This came at a time of real questioning. Things weren’t going particularly well. No confidence. No direction. I think that’s why - whisper it - it’s on the fun side. This is the new us. I’d previously worked with Ola [Modupe-Ojo] on ‘Hanging Off Your Cloud’ and, like then, there was just a magic in the room that was irresistible. It’s a summer breeze. But it’s a winter’s night. Either way, sometimes you have to block out the noise. My late Uncle Pat loved a whistle so it’s a bit of a homage to him. Get on the bus; headphones in; go your own way. It’s the feel good, imposter syndrome hit of the summer.”
'Pink Cactus Café' marks Courteeners’ first album since 2020’s critically acclaimed 'More. Again. Forever.' and follows the success of their reissued debut album 'St. Jude,' which topped the UK Album Charts in 2023. Co-produced by Liam Fray, the new album features contributions from a stellar lineup including DMA’S, Brooke Combe, James and Ian Skelly of The Coral, Pixey, Charlie Salt of Blossoms, Ola Modupe-Ojo (Bipolar Sunshine), and Theo Hutchcraft (Hurts), among others.
Fray provides further insight into the making of 'Pink Cactus Café,' explaining,
"The last record came out on the cusp of lockdown so straight away I went into panic (writing) mode...on my own but with no real plan. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a side project, Courteeners, solo project. Just songs. Everything was up in the air. So, it wasn't necessarily a Courteeners SOUND…I started reaching out on my Indie Rolodex as a bit of fun really, and it's ended up being the most collaborative and rewarding thing we've ever done. It's a real collage of an album, we threw everything into the melting pot. Cam & Cones have brought their magic to these songs, along with... to name a few.... DMA’S, Charlie from Blossoms, Theo from Hurts, James Skelly and his percussion genius of a brother - Ian, and two of the best vocalists out there in Brooke Combe and Pixey. It's the most collaborative thing we've ever done, and we couldn't be happier. Four and half years in the making, we genuinely believe it's the best set of songs we've released into the world since St. Jude… we hope you buzz off them as much as we do.”
Courteeners are set for a vibrant festival season, having recently headlined a 25,000-capacity show at Lytham Festival. Fans can catch them at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow on July 13th, Boardmasters in Newquay on August 9th, and Victorious Festival in Southsea on August 24th. With a career spanning 16 years, they've achieved consistent commercial success and amassed a loyal following, known for their energetic live performances.
Stay tuned for more updates from Courteeners as they continue to make waves in the music world.
Comments