mxdwn.co.uk » The Courteeners https://www.mxdwn.co.uk all that matters in music in the UK Tue, 12 May 2026 22:27:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 A Nostalgic Revival: The Backfires Deliver ‘This Is Not an Exit’ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/a-nostalgic-revival-the-backfires-deliver-this-is-not-an-exit/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/a-nostalgic-revival-the-backfires-deliver-this-is-not-an-exit/#comments Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:52:07 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=105831 Anglo-American indie rock band The Backfires, composed of Alex Gomez (lead vocals), Harry Ruprecht (lead guitar), Matt Walter (bass), and Max Wanduragala (drums), have returned in full force with their latest album, ‘This Is Not An Exit,’ released on January 24, 2025. Known for their energetic performances and authentic songwriting, the band has carved out a distinct place in the modern rock scene, drawing influence from both sides of the Atlantic.

The Backfires have built their reputation on the road, touring extensively with acts such as The Courteeners, The Criticals, and Phoneboy. Sharing stages with these well-established bands has undoubtedly left its mark on The Backfires, but their sound remains uniquely their own. Their music captures an infectious blend of the nostalgic 00s pop rock – made famous by the Killers and the Arctic Monkeys – with a fresh 2020s twist, offering soaring guitar work and driving bass lines that pulse with raw emotion. Embracing this 2000s edge in their promotion, the band offered fans the chance to win an iPod Nano preloaded with the album ahead of its official release.

While the influence of their contemporaries is evident, The Backfires never fall into the trap of imitation. Their sound is crafted with precision and sincerity, blending addictive riffs, atmospheric textures, and a rhythmic heartbeat that makes their music instantly engaging. The guitars take on an almost vocal quality, intertwining with Alex Gomez’s lyrics to create a layered, immersive listening experience.

Bassist Matt Walter’s running bass lines and Max Wanduragala driving force on drums provides a foundation that is both melodic and powerful, driving songs forward with a restless energy that keeps listeners hooked. Meanwhile, Harry Ruprecht’s lead guitar work cuts through with clarity and emotion, adding anthemic touches that linger long after each track ends.

One of the standout singles from the album, ‘Replace It All,’ has already garnered attention from music critics, including a glowing review from Stuart Daley at The Pentatonic. He wrote that “The Backfires have created a solid foundation of their sound that is instantly recognisable with their energetic and powerful guitars, this song, along with other singles ‘Turn Off The Lights’, ‘Brighter Lights’ and ‘Dressed For A Funeral.’” The track dives deep into themes of redemption and emotional vulnerability.

“‘Replace It All’ is about surrendering yourself to someone else and letting them save you from your past,” explains guitarist Harry Ruprecht. “It’s how it feels to be lost at the end of the world, caught in between love and fear, needing to be rescued.”

The song’s driving rhythm and soaring chorus encapsulate The Backfires’ ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with anthemic rock energy, making it a highlight of the album and sure a fan favourite in live performances on their upcoming North American Tour. 

With ‘This Is Not An Exit,’ The Backfires have not only expanded their sonic landscape but have also set the stage for an exciting future. As they continue to write and perform, the band remains dedicated to pushing their creative boundaries while staying true to the authenticity that has endeared them to fans worldwide. The album is also available in a limited edition translucent blood-red vinyl, further solidifying its appeal among collectors and long-time fans.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or just discovering them, The Backfires’ new album is a must-hear for anyone craving rock music that is as heartfelt as it is electrifying.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/a-nostalgic-revival-the-backfires-deliver-this-is-not-an-exit/feed/ 0 The Courteeners to Headline Legends of Football Event in Aid of Music Therapy Charity https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-courteeners-to-headline-legends-of-football-event-in-aid-of-music-therapy-charity/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-courteeners-to-headline-legends-of-football-event-in-aid-of-music-therapy-charity/#comments Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:58:50 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=102180

Manchester indie rockers The Courteeners are set to headline the 2024 Legends of Football charity event, which will take place on October 7 at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House. The band will be performing at the star-studded evening in honour of two football legends: Wayne Rooney and Fara Williams. The event, a staple in the football and charity calendar, raises funds for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.

Legends of Football has become a beloved annual occasion, combining the celebration of footballing greatness with the power of music to make a difference. The charity has raised an impressive £8.5 million over its 25-year history. The funds help Nordoff and Robbins provide music therapy for individuals facing the challenges of illness, disability, and isolation, the organisation says.

“All money raised goes to Nordoff and Robbins whose treatment helps people with a variety of disorders including dementia, autism, cardiac conditions, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Music therapy allows the patients an opportunity to communicate in ways they can’t otherwise, and can help with memory, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve self-esteem,” organisers say.

This year’s event will shine a light on Rooney and Williams, two standout names in English football. Rooney, of course, is a household name thanks to his glittering 13-year career at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles and became the club’s all-time top scorer. His achievements on the pitch have earned him a host of personal accolades, from Premier League Player of the Season to multiple PFA awards. Since retiring from playing, he’s also made a name for himself as a manager.

Fara Williams holds an equally impressive record, being the most capped player in the history of the England national team with 172 caps over an 18-year career. Williams started her career at Everton and later moved to Liverpool, winning back-to-back FA Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. She eventually signed for Arsenal, where she added an FA Cup to her trophy cabinet.

The Courteeners first hit the scene with their 2008 debut St. Jude, an album that earned them the Guardian’s First British Album Award. In 2023, a reissue of St. Jude hit No. 1 on the UK Album Charts, 15 years after its original release, and they were named Band of the Year at the Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards that same year. Their track ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ has become something of a modern British anthem, with its unmistakable chorus securing its spot among the Top 100 British songs of all time.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-courteeners-to-headline-legends-of-football-event-in-aid-of-music-therapy-charity/feed/ 0 Courteeners Debut New Track During Intimate London gig https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/courteeners-debut-new-track-during-intimate-london-gig/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/courteeners-debut-new-track-during-intimate-london-gig/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2022 16:48:40 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=57684 Halfway through their intimate headline show in London, last night (July 29) Courteeners debuted one of their new songs titled “Lie Back And Think Of England”.  According to Setlist.fm, the trio from Middletion delivered a set of 17 songs for their performance as the band warmed up ahead of their headlining set at the Y Not? festival tonight (July 30). They treated 1,500 fans at the Electric Ballroom to cuts from all six of their studio albums. It was mostly a throwback affair, as their 2020 album More. Again. Forever. was only represented with one song “Hanging Off Your Cloud”.

After playing the first 10 songs of the setlist which also included some of their biggest hits like “Not Nineteen Forever”, “You Overdid It Doll” and “Acrylic” – frontman Liam Fray delivered some acoustic numbers. The first of these acoustic tracks was “Lie Back And Think Of England” while “Please Don’t” and “Smiths Disco” rounded out the lowkey detour. Footage of the new tune is yet to emerge, but some fans posted a few photos and videos of the show on their social media which you can view below.

Following on from Y Not? tonight, Courteeners will then head over to the US for their first tour their in 13 years and they’ll preform headline shows in places like Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles , you can find tickets here.

In other news last November, the band released a concert film of their massive Heaton Park homecoming gig back in June 2019. Additionally, frontman Liam Fray also announced last year that he would be Opening a new restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Smithfield Social, which pays homage to the historic Smithfield Market, is located on Thomas Street and serves brunch, small plates, cocktails and more.

Courteeners Electric Ballroom setlist:

‘Cavorting’
‘Acrylic’
‘Modern Love’
‘You Overdid It Doll’
‘No One Will Ever Replace Us’
‘Summer’
‘That Kiss’
‘Small Bones’
‘Lose Control’
‘The 17th’
‘Lie Back And Think Of England’ (new song, acoustic)
‘Please Don’t’ (acoustic)
‘Smiths Disco’ (acoustic)
‘Hanging Off Your Cloud’
‘Are You In Love With A Notion?’
‘Not Nineteen Forever’
‘What Took You So Long?’

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/courteeners-debut-new-track-during-intimate-london-gig/feed/ 0 Glasgow TRNSMT Festival Confirmed To Go Ahead This September https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/glasgow-trnsmt-festival-confirmed-to-go-ahead-this-september/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/glasgow-trnsmt-festival-confirmed-to-go-ahead-this-september/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:01:28 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=38333 Organisers of the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow Green confirmed it will go ahead next month.
The festival that moved from its traditional July slot will take place on the weekend 10-12 of September and gather 50,000 music fans with no social distancing.
The news came after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last Tuesday that most COVID restrictions will end from 9th August.
Geoff Ellis, the festival organiser told BBC: “I’m delighted to confirm we’ve got the permission to go ahead with TRNSMT which is amazing, it’ll be so emotional. It’ll be two years since the last TRNSMT so people will be raring to go“.
The last TRNMST festival took place in 2019 and the 2020 event has been cancelled a month after lockdown has started.
Mr Ellis added, “We’re so excited, we can’t wait to welcome 50,000 people at Glasgow Green non-socially distanced and with a great line-up”.

Full vaccination for the festival-goers won’t be needed, however lateral flow test and evidence of the negative result will be probably be required to enter. He commented: “I don’t think the Scottish government will insist on vaccination for clubs because I don’t think they believe in that”.

“But I think they want to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated and I would say the same. I’ve even suggested to the Scottish government if they want to put a vaccination bus into TRNSMT we’d be happy to host that, it’s on the table. But I don’t think it’ll become a condition of entry in Scotland. It’s fraught with legal conditions”.

Original headliners Liam Gallaher and The Courteeners will take the stage as planned. The brit award winner Lewis Capaldi won’t be able to attend and has been replaced with The Chemical Brothers.
For tickets and full line up check out the festival page.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/glasgow-trnsmt-festival-confirmed-to-go-ahead-this-september/feed/ 0 Burnham Shouts-Out Courteeners in Victory Speech https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/burnham-shouts-out-courteeners-in-victory-speech/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/burnham-shouts-out-courteeners-in-victory-speech/#comments Sun, 09 May 2021 18:25:02 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=35173 Fresh from winning re-election, Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham gave fellow Mancs The Courteeners in his victory speech.

The recent elections have been fairly disastrous for Labour, with the party attracting a variety of criticism from members and supporters. One of the few Labour success stories of the weekend saw incumbent mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, winning re-election.

Burnham secured 67.3 per cent of the overall vote from The City of Manchester and it’s surrounding boroughs. Burnham is regarded as one of the “cooler” politicians (if there is such a thing) – when faced with a crowd of supporters and a variety of news cameras, Burnham borrowed the line “God Bless the band” and with a knowing pause “if you know, you know…”

Burnham co opted the line from The Courteeners biggest track ‘Not Nineteen Forever’. The band themselves are Manchester stalwarts: if they’re not churning out the indie bangers at Heaton Park of Old Trafford, they can be found playing arenas up and down the country to scores of bucket-hatted fans – I’m sure Mr. Burnham enjoyed a dark fruits or two in celebration.

Manchester is very much a hot spot for new music, a whole host of sweaty, sticky venues across town are key for up and coming bands – the city is home to iconic record stores and has legions of music fans who follow their favorites with passion. This is why politics is so important to the city, the recovery from Covid and ensuring that people are safe and secure whist record shopping, or watching bands is key to the city.

As Covid restrictions ease, the citizens of Greater Manchester have a huge selection of music culture to enjoy. Bands are keen to get back on the road and Manchester is always a key date in the diary- there is such a strong selection of venues and fans that will show up in numbers.