The Courteeners have released their seventh studio album, Pink Cactus Cafe, declaring, “This is the new us.”
The Manchester rockers have ushered in a new era with lead single “Solitude Of The Night Bus,” a song about “searching for spiritual clarity in solitude.”
The tongue-in-cheek song was written at a time when the band was suffering from imposter syndrome.
Frontman Liam Fray, 39, said in a statement: “This came at a time when we were really having doubts. Things weren't going particularly well. We had no confidence. We had no direction. So, I guess we're just whispering and moving in a fun direction. This is the new us. We've worked with Ora before. [Modupe-Ojo] “'Hanging Off Your Cloud' has that same irresistible magic in the room. A summer breeze. Or a winter night. Either way, sometimes you need to block out the noise. My late Uncle Pat loved to whistle, so this is a little homage to him. Get on the bus, put on your headphones, and make your way. This is the feel-good, imposter syndrome hit of the summer.”
The full record will be released on October 25th.
The album also features Australian rock band DMA's on “The Beginning Of The End,” Scottish singer-songwriter Brooke Combe on “Sweet Surrender” and indie star Pixey on “First Name Terms.”
It marks the group's first new music since their 2020 LP, More. Again. Forever.
In 2023, a reissue of their debut album, St. Jude, reached number one on the UK album charts.
Catch the Courteeners live at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow on Saturday 13th July, Boardmasters in Newquay on 9th August and Victorious Festival in Southsea on 24th August.
Pink Cactus Cafe Tracklist:
“Sweet Surrender” (featuring Brooke Combe)
“Weekend Loneliness”
“Pink Cactus Cafe”
'Where are we now?'
“The Beginning Of The End” (featuring DMA'S)
“Loneliness on a Night Bus”
“First Name Terms” (featuring Pixey)
“Lulu.”
“I love you”
“Bite by invisible teeth”