Courting’s Return To Newcastle: Live At The Grove

Featured Image Credits: Courting for Still Listening Magazine

On Monday 31st March Courting played the Byker-based bar The Grove in Newcastle. It’s a sick venue with a spacious beer garden, a pizza hatch, and an upstairs terrace so I was sorted for some pre-gig pints and dinner.

This gig kickstarted their UK 25’ tour; they were off to Glasgow the following night, before returning to England and working southward. The tour is off the back of the release of their latest album, ‘Lust for Life Or: How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story.’ It’s the band’s third album with charming lyrics and experimental production choices.

Image Credits: Courting shot by Andy Ford for NME

Upon hearing the opening notes of the first support band, M4SS Production, I headed inside. The majority of the audience was still yet to arrive, but those already there were enthusiastic in their support for the Gateshead-situated band. The punk trio began the night with a bang, never taking themselves too seriously while delivering some heavy tunes.

Then after a brief intermission, it was on with House Proud, another North East group. Their set was a fitting follow after M4SS Production, transitioning the punk sounds into post-punk while keeping the energy high. Combining vulnerable lyrics with industrial distortion over heavy guitars, House Proud is well on the way to making quite the name for themselves.

Time for another brief intermission, another pint, and then Courting. Entering the stage to the strings of ‘Rollback Intro’ Courting captivated the crowd immediately, swiftly switching paces to the opening notes of ‘Pause at You.’

Their set featured a decent mixture of tracks from the new album though still incorporating familiar favourites like ‘Tennis,’ and ‘Popshop!’ Lead vocalist Sean Murphy-O’Neil conducted the crowd well, hyping everyone up when the energy was lacking.

Before ending their set O'Neil informed the crowd that there would be no encores, just their final song and then they would head over to the merch table to talk to everyone.

Courting delivered a performance charged with energy and palpable passion. Showcasing homegrown North East bands as their support acts felt like a love letter to Toon signed by Courting themselves. You could witness their devotion to the music, and their excitement diffused throughout the crowd, infecting us with their vigour. It was an incredible night even if my neck did hurt the next day from some low-key headbanging.