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Liam Fray, the eccentric frontman of the Mancunian band Courteeners, had already described this “More. Again. Forever” two years ago as an adventurous and experimental album.
The sixth studio effort for the Manchester trio, the new work had already been anticipated by some live pieces and presented as a definite departure from the sounds of the previous albums, especially from that “St. Jude” now twelve years old. A debut that has become over time a minor classic of the guitar rock of that decade.
The Courteeners have thus become the kind of band that is often asked for a "return to the roots," especially by those fans who felt betrayed by a journey that led Fray and company away from the indie freshness of that carefree debut. It must be said that the subsequent albums to that exploit did not exactly cause an outcry, even though the numbers remained on the band's side (all albums made the top ten in the UK, not to mention the always packed live shows).
It called for a leap, an attempt at a definitive breakaway, and it finally arrived with this “More. Again. Forever,” in fact the band’s best studio effort; an irresistible mix of sounds and colors that perfectly matches the carefree spirit of the three from Manchester.
Fray had cited LCD Soundsystem as a source of inspiration, and not without reason, just listen to the devastating title track; but already the beginning is a resounding blow, with the electro-glam of the superb “Heart Attack” and the flaming pop imbued with psychedelia of the big single “Heavy Jacket.”
The Courteeners do not fail to mark out more classic territories: the exquisite “Better Man” sits exactly at the midpoint between R.E.M. and Smiths, “The Joy Of Missing Out” and “Take It On The Chin” are well-executed consolations for the old indie fans while “Hanging Off Your Cloud” is a masterpiece ballad that rests on a pounding piano and the intense interpretation of a truly soulful Fray.
In short, the leap for the Courteeners has really come: we will see if the public will accompany the Mancunian trio towards a triumph that would be absolutely deserved.
Best track: Hanging Off Your Cloud
Tracklist
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