The Courtneys
Silver Velvet
Flying Nun Records

While we're awaiting Vancouver indie-pop trio The Courtneys' sophomore album, II (due out February 17), let's check out the album's first single, "Silver Velvet". To quote Paste Magazine: 'If the low-fi, groovy single is any indication of the album, we're in for a treat!'

Since they released their debut album The Courtneys (2013), for local Vancouver indie label Hockey Dad Records, the trio switched down under to New Zealand's eminent Flying Nun Records some year ago. Say hello to The Courtneys: Classic Courtney (a.k.a. Courtney Loove) on guitar and vocals, Crazy Courtney (a.k.a. Sydney Koke) on bass and vocals, and Cute Courtney (a.k.a. Jen Twynn Payne) on drums and lead Vocals. Yes, the drummer's the lead singer! Neat! The Courtneys have been labeled as '90s riot grrl' type rock, but according to their Facebook site they play 'sun drenched Flying Nun influenced pop with sweet licks that'll stick with you for days.' No wonder they ended up on Flying Nun, then. They claim to drift back to the sound of the early 90s, influenced by bands like Teenage Fanclub, Pavement, and legendary Kiwi-rock unit The Clean - Flying Nun's first jewel.

"Silver Velvet" (launched in late November) is a to-the-point sugarcoated and fuzzy pop song, clocking in at 03:00. Plain, simple and perfectly catchy, holding components that 'come together through a passionate collaborative songwriting process.' The result is 'a special blend of fuzzy "artisanal grunge".' These components are: 'dreamy guitar riffs', 'driving basslines', and 'heartfelt lyrics with a powerful vocal style.' The band claim the guitar riffs add a 'timeless powerpop element to the punk backbone' of the bass, which is topped with some bubblegum vocals. "Silver Velvet" is cool and bouncy, DIY spirited, fuzzy power-pop, and it doesn't waste your time. All we have to do now is wait for II.

Copyright © 2017 Howard Popeye