Some albums are good. Some albums are great. And then there are albums like Courting’s New Last Name, which grab hold of their moment and demand your attention. With this second studio record, the Liverpool quartet has delivered something bold, boundary-pushing, and bristling with creative ambition.
Released on January 26, 2024, New Last Name represents a band refusing to rest on their laurels. Courting has grown significantly since their cheeky debut, Guitar Music, which was all sharp edges and playful chaos. Here, they refine that raw energy into something more polished, while still holding on to the experimental streak that made them stand out in the first place.
This is indie rock with a restless soul—a record that dips into disco, flirtations with synth-pop, and plenty of audacious lyricism. It’s a daring statement from a band maturing without losing their sense of mischief.
An Opener That Grabs You by the Collar
New Last Name begins with “Throw”, a track that pulls you into its world instantly. Co-produced by The Cribs’ Gary and Ryan Jarman, it’s a masterclass in Courting’s knack for combining propulsive grooves with jagged textures. It struts in with a swaggering confidence, packed with stabbing guitar riffs and a rhythm section that doesn’t quit.
It’s the perfect setup for what follows, signalling to listeners that Courting isn’t content to stick with the formulas of their debut. The energy feels cinematic, urgent, and daring, a theme that threads throughout the album.
Pop Hooks with a Side of Subversion
What makes New Last Name such a compelling listen is its ability to balance catchy, crowd-pleasing hooks with a willingness to experiment.
Take “We Look Good Together (Big Words)”, which features a kaleidoscopic contribution from DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ. It’s one of the record’s most pop-forward moments, with shimmering synths and an irresistible vocal hook, yet there’s a playful weirdness under the surface that keeps things fresh.
Then there’s “Flex”, a slinky, disco-inflected track that feels tailor-made for dance-floors. Courting lean into their more polished side here, with sharp production that highlights the song’s tight rhythm and cheeky vocals. It’s proof that even as they refine their sound, they’re still having fun.
Moments of Vulnerability and Growth
While Courting’s wry sense of humour is still present, New Last Name also reveals a more introspective side.
“Emily G” is a prime example. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, it’s a slow-burning centrepiece that showcases the band’s ability to craft something deeply emotional. Layers of lush instrumentation build to an anthemic conclusion, with Sean Murphy-O’Neill’s vocals delivering a heartfelt vulnerability that feels strikingly honest.
The closing track, “America”, is another standout. At six-and-a-half minutes, it’s sprawling, ambitious, and utterly captivating. It oscillates between tender verses and cathartic choruses, ending the album on a high note that feels both triumphant and bittersweet.
A Sonic Playground
Courting’s willingness to experiment with genre and sound is one of their greatest strengths. Whether they’re channelling Britpop, indie disco, or something entirely their own, they approach each track with a sense of adventure.
“The Wedding” leans into lush, almost orchestral arrangements, with the Jarman brothers’ production adding a layer of depth. Meanwhile, “Babys” offers a shorter, punchier take on the band’s sound, blending sharp guitars with sugary melodies.
Even when the experiments don’t entirely land, as with the somewhat muddled outro of “Tripping with You,” Courting’s commitment to pushing boundaries is commendable.
The Bigger Picture
What New Last Name ultimately represents is a band in transition—shedding the skin of their debut and stepping into a new phase of their career. Critics have been divided in their responses, but this kind of polarization is often the hallmark of music that dares to challenge expectations.
For every lukewarm take, like Far Out’s dismissal of the album as “a derivative mess,” there’s an equally glowing review. The Line of Best Fit described it as “a collection of their most infectious pop songs dusted with their inevitable experimental flair,” and NME praised its “vibrancy” and replay value.
Courting is clearly a band with big ambitions, and New Last Name proves they have the talent to match.
Why It’s One of 2024’s Best
What makes New Last Name a standout in 2024’s crowded musical landscape isn’t just its quality, though that’s certainly a factor. It’s the sense of fearlessness that runs through the album—the way Courting challenges themselves and their listeners to embrace both the familiar and the unexpected.
This is a record that doesn’t just meet expectations; it redefines them. Courting could have played it safe, sticking to the formula that made their debut such a cult hit. Instead, they’ve taken a creative leap, delivering an album that feels bigger, bolder, and more multifaceted.
The Verdict
With New Last Name, Courting has proven that they’re not just a flash-in-the-pan indie act. They’re a band with staying power, unafraid to take risks and grow in unexpected ways.
This album is a snapshot of a band in motion, capturing the energy and creativity that comes with stepping into uncharted territory. It’s not perfect—some experiments work better than others—but it’s undeniably exciting, and it leaves us eagerly anticipating what Courting will do next.
Here’s to New Last Name, one of 2024’s most adventurous records, and to Courting’s bright and boundless future. Stay tuned for more in our Albums of the Year 2024 series, right here on The Front Row.
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