It seems these days that the only way to expand on a style is to go back to its origins. The Courtneys from Vancouver are doing that to indie rock with the February 17 release of The Courtneys II, the follow up to their 2013 self-titled debut LP. The new record exhibits a sonic progression while keeping things simple. It’s a melding of vintage power pop, punk grit, and early ’90s alternative rock coolness. The sound that the trio exhibits is as contemporary as it is timeless.
There’s a lo-fi warmth that’s consistent from start to finish within the album. Courtney Loove’s guitar is jangly and raw while possessing a dignified edge. While slaying on drums, Jen Twynn Payne also takes the lead on vocals with lyrics that are reminiscent of the girl groups from the ’60s. Sydney Koke rounds out the trio on bass to provide an anchor to the sailing musical ship. Koke and Loove also bring out stellar harmonies on backing vocals.
Listen to The Courtneys II below via Hype Machine.
Catchy and addicting, “Silver Velvet” is a love song that has a driving riff flowing throughout. The chorus will get stuck in between the ears for a while but that isn’t a bad thing. “Tour” shows the rhythm section of Payne and Koke getting animated as the bass and drums make their presence felt. Those harmonies mentioned earlier are also very evident. There’s a constant downbeat and low chords in “Mars Attacks” that goes along with another catchy chorus.
The Courtneys will be celebrating the release of their second full-length at The Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver on March 14. After that they’ll be embarking on a North American tour with dream-pop artist Jay Som. On that tour they’ll be making a stop at Great Scott in Allston on March 28 where Boston indie noisemakers Halfsour open things up. Check out their upcoming tour dates after the HypeM jump.
Featured Courtneys photo by Andrew Volk.
The Courtneys Tour Dates:
March 14: Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret
March 16: Calgary, AB @ Broken City
March 17: Edmonton, AB @ Brixx Bar & Grill
March 18: Saskatoon, SK @ Amigos Cantina
March 19: Winnipeg, CA @ The Good Will
March 20: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
March 21: Madison, WI @ The Frequency ^
March 22: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry ^
March 23: Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club ^
March 24: Chicago, IL @ Schubas ^
March 25: Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s ^
March 27: Montreal, QC @ Bar le Ritz
March 26: Toronto, ON @ The Garrison ^
March 28: Allston, MA @ The Great Scott ^
March 29: Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right ^
March 31: Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle ^
April 1: Washingston, DC @ DC9 ^
April 2: Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo
April 4: Omaha, NE @ Milk Run
April 6: Denver, CO @ Lost Lake City ^
April 7: Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ^
April 8: Boise, ID @ Neurolux ^
April 10: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir ^
April 11: Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt ^
April 12: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile ^
April 14: San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
April 15: Los Angeles, CA @ Resident
^ – w/ Jay Som
