WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
The Courette’s ability to seamlessly switch between the raw energy of 60s rock ‘n’ roll,
punk, surf rock and 60s girl-group harmonies makes them a unique and exciting
presence in the contemporary music world.
The iconic Night & Day Café located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is renowned for its intimate setting and has become a staple of the city’s vibrant music scene. It has played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous artists and has earned a reputation as one of the best places in Manchester to discover fresh talent. Following a BBC Radio 6 session and rave reviews in the national press for their latest album, the dynamic and explosive garage rock duo The Courettes could soon be added to the likes of Elbow and The Arctic Monkeys who played the venue before making it big. Hailing from Brazil and Denmark, Flavia Couri (vocals/guitar) and Martin Couri (drums} have become a formidable force in the European and international underground rock scenes known for their high-energy live performances, vintage sounds and infectious songwriting.
The bonus of the night is that Warrington’s The Lotts are supporting with their high energy, ferocious Garage Rock. Think The Stooges, The Ramones and early 70s NYC for influences, but there’s something distinctive about The Lotts. Songs such as “Punching Bag” and “You Need It” are fast, loud, perfectly played and show great song writing ability. Add an enigmatic frontman who prowls the stage and you have something quite special. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Night and Day features low lighting and a small stage that ensures close proximity between the audience and performers to create an intimate and immersive experience. A perfect stage for a night of 60s girl-group harmonies, gritty garage rock riffs and punk energy. The Courettes reputation for blistering live performances precedes them and the packed, diverse crowd seems primed for what is to come as they stand shoulder to shoulder. The Courettes hit the stage and waste no time exploding into the room like a powder keg. Flavia’s fuzz-drenched guitar chords and Martin’s pounding drums are a relentless assault of raw, energetic rock ‘n’ roll. Flavia, dressed in a sleek, retro mod outfit, commands the stage with a cool confidence that matches the fury of her guitar playing. From the first chord, the crowd is fully immersed, heads bob, feet stomp and hands clap as the duo pound through their high-octane opener.
“The Boy I Love,” encapsulates the band’s blend of sweet 60s pop melodies with a grittier, rebellious edge. Flavia’s voice soars, filled with both romantic yearning and raw power, while Martin’s drumming is as tight and powerful as ever. There’s something uniquely compelling about The Courettes’ ability to channel the vibe of girl groups like The Ronettes but inject it with a shot of punk rock intensity. “R.I.N.G.O” a playful tribute to The Beatles’ legendary drummer is fast-paced and full of energy, showcasing the duo’s knack for crafting catchy hooks while still maintaining their raw, garage sound. The crowd is bouncing to the infectious rhythm, and you can see faces lighting up as Flavia belts out the chorus “ I want Richard Starkey”. “California” evokes a summer breeze with its hypnotic rhythm and sultry guitar riff. Flavia’s voice taking on a dreamy, teasing quality that has the audience mesmerized as Martin keeps things driving providing the perfect counterbalance to the song’s swirling melody.
A highlight of the night comes with “Until You’re Mine”. In the hands of The Courettes, even a love song can feel like a fist-pump of defiance and “Until You’re Mine” strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and intensity. It’s stripped back, but still retains a haunting raw edge, The crowd sway gently, caught up in the song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone shouting back the chorus, creating a sense of unity and shared energy that you only get at live gigs. Flavia’s guitar shimmers through the track, creating an eerie, nocturnal vibe that perfectly suits the late-night atmosphere of the Night and Day.
As the duo dive into their back catalogue, the energy never once dips and they continue to hammer out song after song with a fiery intensity that never lets up. Every song is delivered with maximum intensity and constant engagement with the crowd as Martin talks about MotherF****** and Flavia has the whole venue sit down on the floor. “Trash Can Honey”, is grungy and bluesy and feels like an anthem for the evening, a celebration of the electric energy that comes alive after dark. The track feels like a nod to the venue itself, a place that has hosted countless late-night gigs and built a reputation as one of Manchester’s most iconic live music spots. Flavia’s guitar work switching from crunchy, distorted power chords to slick, blues-inflected solos. The chemistry between the two is so tight that it feels as if they are operating as a single, unstoppable force.
The pure rock ‘n’ roll swagger of “Want You Like a Cigarette” drips with attitude with Flavia’s delivery sharp, biting and backed by a stomping beat as the crowd dance and cheer in pure appreciation for the raw power of the performance. “Hop the Twig” keeps the energy high, with Martin’s drumming thunderous, each beat hitting like a sledgehammer. It’s a song that encapsulates everything The Courettes are about. High-energy, infectious rock that makes you want to move. As the final chords ring out, the crowd is left sweaty, exhilarated and wanting more.
The Courettes have delivered a show tonight that is pure rock ‘n’ roll with a unique blend of styles that keeps it feeling fresh and dynamic throughout the entire set. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable and The Courette’s ability to seamlessly switch between the raw energy of 60s rock ‘n’ roll, punk, surf rock and 60s girl-group harmonies makes them a unique and exciting presence in the contemporary music world. The Courettes have once again proved why they’re one of the most exciting live bands around today and from start to finish, they’ve captivated Manchester, proving once again that there’s no substitute for live rock ‘n’ roll at its finest. The Courettes show no signs of slowing down and whether it’s in a sweaty club or on a festival stage, they are sure to bring the same passion and intensity that has made them one of the most exciting bands to watch in recent years. Grab a copy of “The Soul Of…. the Fabulous Courettes” and go see them live now you definitely won’t regret it.
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
