Liverpool four-piece Courting have share their new single Grand National. It’s the title track lifted from their much-anticipated debut EP, which is due out April 9th via Nice Swan Records. Watch the video clip for Grand National via YouTube below.
The new single is an anti-anthem for a generation nobly stirred by the cruelty of horse racing and the gambling industry propping it up. “I don’t care if he dies, it’s entertainment,” sings frontman Sean Murphy-O’Neill in the verse as a rambunctious indie guitar-led sound builds.
In what would have been the ultimate prank, Courting booked a high street chain betting shop as the location for a music video. But, the shop pulled the plug after closer examination revealed the band were throwing shade on them.
Instead, the video finds the band performing in a drab pub chaotically flitting between imagery of televised horse racing, betting, drinking and arguing whilst building towards a mocking climax.
Horse racing, which is one of several lyrical images in the song, became a bucket list topic after Courting heard 100Gecs’ similarly darkly-comedic song, Stupid Horse.
Asked to define Grand National, Murphy-O’Neill says: “Grand National is our best and last look at Middle England. Parents evenings, horse racing, and watching the chemtrails from lawns lined with astroturf. Cowbell-tinged. 100gecs referencing. Feedbacking. Huge.”
Grand National is on the EP alongside their late-2020 release, Popshop!,and two previously unheard songs that are held back until the EP is out: Crass and Slow Burner.
Popshop! was greeted brilliantly by industry. It landed on the BBC 6Music playlist, and top publications included the band in their end of year lists soon after its release including: NME 100, Dork Hype List 2021, Daily Star Ones To Watch 2021 & DIY Hello 2021. The four-piece only formed in 2018 so they’re hitting these milestones really early on.
The band’s first ever singles (Not Yr Man and Football) were self-released and caused a stir on the vibrant Liverpool indie scene. Nice Swan Records responded to the buzz by signing them for their third single (David Byrne’s Badside), and for the upcoming EP.
Courting follow in the footsteps of Sports Team and Pip Blom by putting out an EP through Nice Swan Records. The label is a small operation but blossoming thanks to its track record in breaking bands. And the odds are the label will continue its run of spotting top talent early with Courting well and truly on track to gate-crash the mainstream.
‘Grand National’ track list
1. Grand National
2. Popshop!
3. Crass
4. Slow Burner
Pre-order the EP here.
Courting are
Sean Murphy-O’Neill (Guitar/Vocals/Cowbell)
Sean Thomas (Drums/Vocals)
Michael Downes (Guitar)
Sam Brennan (Bass)
C'mon why don't you leave a comment here