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.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx to open flagship store in Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx is opening its first brand store in Manchester this week – and its first UK shop outside of London.
In the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store will be packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
Everything is designed with a commitment to perform in even the most demanding of environments – and yes, that includes the brutal rain of the North West of England…
It’s a fitting location for Arc’teryx to open a milestone new store, just 25 miles from the Peak District and the gritstone climbs that helped to shape trad climbing in the UK.
Inside the 567 sq metre shop on New Cathedral Street, there’ll also be a ReBIRD™ Service Centre that will offer free gear repair, care, and washing services, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition season after season.
That’s alongside a dedicated Community Area designed for events, movie nights, and gatherings, plus a local map that highlights the best spots for climbing, hiking and trail running around Manchester.
UK athletes and local ambassadors will be sharing their favourite places to visit, inspiring your next adventure.
Once inspiration strikes, you can pick up a local trail book in the community area, and buy these top-of-the-range bits of kit, choosing from Arc’teryx’s core assortment, including trail and climb gear, with snow gear to follow.
Local artists will be on hand to create inspirational artworks, starting in July with an installation from NOTS.
Sven Radtke, General Manager Arc’teryx EMEA, said: “Manchester is a vibrant urban hub that serves as a launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes makes it a gateway to the outdoors and a haven for hiking, climbing and other activities.
“Our goal is to help our core communities get out, doing what they love, equipped with the most high-performance gear to reach their goals.”
The Canadian brand is already distributing products through more than 2,400 locations worldwide, but this new Manchester opening is a key milestone for adventurers in the UK.
Arc’teryx opens on 6 New Cathedral Street on Thursday 10 July.
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To celebrate the opening, Arc’teryx is running a series of events and experiences:
10 July – Store opens
17 July – Grand Opening Party (RSVP opens on 11 July and will be linked on Instagram @arcteryxuk)
Danny Jones -
9th July 2024 
