Manc music icons Courtneers have finally announced their long-awaited seventh studio album along with revealing the new debut single and music video to boot.
Christmas come early.
It’s been four long years since the beloved indie band from Middleton last released new music in the form of More. Again. Forever., and while the local lads have been playing plenty of shows in that time, including a number of solo performances from frontman Liam Fray himself, it’s felt like an eternity.
Now though, Courteeners can not only celebrate the fact that the new record is on its way at long last but that they can already get stuck into the first song from it too. Without further ado, ‘Solitude Of The Night Bus’:
Offering a first glimpse at what the new album, entitled Pink Cactus Café, will sound like, the new Courteeners song has been described as a “luminous fusion of euphoric electronic pop, framed within the familiar architecture of their indie origins, and embellished with an infectious whistle that lingers long after the last note fades.”
Hard agree.
Centring around that oh-so-familiar late-night motif of the last bus out of town, the band were looking to capture “the poignant dualities of solitude and expectation, exploring the soul’s quest for clarity amidst loneliness.” We can confirm we’ve done some of our most existential thinking on the bus home.
Reflecting on the track himself, lead songwriter Fray said: “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 of Bipolar Sunshine] 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.”
The new single and album artwork for Courteeners’ forthcoming 2024 record.
Hinting at the further eclecticism of the new album, it features collaboration and co-production from a number of artists that Fray describes as his “Indie Rolodex”.
Names involved in the latest project include Aussie outfit DMA’S, rising Scottish star Brooke Combe, James and Ian Skelly (The Coral), Ormskirk singer-songwriter Pixey; the aforementioned Ola, Theo Hutchcraft of Hurts and Blossoms‘ Charlie Salt, just to name a few.
Pink Cactus Café is set to be released via Ignition Records on 25 October and after seeing their 2008 debut album St. Jude go straight back to number one for its 15th anniversary at the start of 2023, we expect the new record to achieve similar success.
With a full summer of festival slots still left to play, including TRNSMT, Boardmasters, Victorious Fest and Liam Gallagher’s massive Malta Weekender, it’s going to be a big few months for the Manchester heavyweights.
You can pre-order/pre-order Courteeners’ new album HERE and judging by the scenes at Lytham, they haven’t skipped a beat when it comes to live performances.
Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month.
The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you.
Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen.
After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor.
The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael WharleyOti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks
Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever.
“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.”
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.
Danny Jones -
9th July 2024 
