Courteeners: Pink Cactus Cafe

Pink Cactus Cafe' was a true comeback album for Courteeners. Having not released a record since 2020, this was a significant moment for the band. 2023 had already been a triumphant year, with the re-release of 'St. Jude' finally claiming the top spot—an achievement it missed out on back in 2008. However, rather than simply revisiting the past, the band moved forward boldly, releasing their most eclectic record to date just over a year later.

Collaboration played a key role in shaping the album. With contributions from DMA’s, Pixey, Brooke Combe, and James and Ian Skelly of The Coral,. 

Prior to its release, Liam Fray described the album as sounding like "if a Mancunian joined Haim." That certainly rings true for the second track, 'Weekend Shy of a Feeling', but it would be unfair to sum up the entire album with that description. This record is a brilliant collection of songs that see the band exploring new ideas while retaining the essence of what makes them great. It stands in stark contrast to the "landfill indie" label that music journalists once used to diminish bands like Courteeners.

Working with others has brought fresh energy to this album. 'The Beginning of the End' sees the band team up with DMA’s creating the ultimate indie disco supergroup to create a festival-ready anthem. English singer-songwriter Pixey lending her bittersweet tones to the state-of-the-nation address of album highlight ‘First Name Terms’, hitting back at a ruling class who “look away from you and me”, finding “another way to shake the fucking tree” as we “lie back and think of England, but when does England ever think of you?”

'Bitten by Unseen Teeth' blends classic Courteeners with a modern edge, there’s a touch of The War on Drugs' expansive sound, yet it remains firmly rooted in Manchester. Meanwhile, the opening track, 'Sweet Surrender', showcases Fray’s lyrical prowess, with poetic storytelling that would make fellow Mancunian songwriter Guy Garvey proud. Rising Scottish soul star Brooke Combe adds brilliant guitar work, keeping the song rolling like one of the Piccadilly-bound trains Fray sang about 15 years ago.

The album’s title track, 'Pink Cactus Cafe', explores the idea of personal sanctuary. Speaking to NME, Fray explained, “It could be anything. A café in Marrakesh, the chippy in Cheetham Hill. A night on your own, saying ‘I’m gonna have a bit of ‘me’ time.’ Watching the match with your dad. Your own space, but you have to go and make it.” This song continues the sonic evolution first hinted at on 'More.Again.Forever', reaffirming Fray’s strength as a songwriter.

The album is full of surprises. Take the first single, 'Solitude of the Nightbus', with its drum machine rhythm and introspective lyrics: “I can’t figure out just where my confidence went.” That’s a sentiment the Liam Fray of 2008 would never have penned. But this isn’t 2008, it’s 2024, and this album reveals new dimensions to both the band and their frontman. The confidence on display here is on another level.

This is the album that propelled Courteeners into arenas, and these songs thrive in that setting. Despite the ongoing success of 'St. Jude', both at its initial release and its triumphant reissue in 2023, the band refuses to rest on their laurels. 'Pink Cactus Cafe' marks a new chapter, one filled with ambition, reinvention, and a refusal to be boxed in by their debut album

So where do Courteeners go next? One thing’s certain: this isn’t a band clinging to their 'Parka Monkey' past. This is modern, vibrant music that stretches far beyond Manchester.
With 'Pink Cactus Cafe', Courteeners have cemented themselves as one of Britain’s best bands. Full of swagger, surprises, and, of course, a few cheeky whistles.

Thank you for reading.
Jack