Falcon

Falcon is the The Courteeners' sophomore album, produced by Ed Buller (Suede, Pulp) and mixed at the famous Electric Ladyland studios with the legendary Michael Brauer (The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan). 'It has a startlingly majestic start. 'The Opener' - well, Liam's never been one to mince words - vaults into life; brisk, nearly flouncing, all loud/quiet dynamics and Adam Ant panting. It's a dual 'missing you' love letter to both his hometown while decamped at his lady's LA pad, and to his missus once he arrived back in Blighty: 'I miss your eyelashes, and the streets where I grew tall/I miss getting piss-wet through, getting to yours and getting warm.' It's hapless romance, honest and endearing. It's also the first instance on Falcon when you realize there's going to be a lot of choruses. Proud, chiming Mancunian sidewinders. Suddenly the Morrissey-heaped praise makes much more sense. St. Jude was plug'n'play, bashed out. Most of Falcon began at Fray's piano and was then jammed out. Hence why nearly the entire thing is mid-paced. Nowhere is it characterized better than on 'Take Over the World,' half battle-cry, half proposal. Its towering walls of reverb sway and buckle with the refrain every disappointing noughties major-label-flop of a wannabe arena-indie band was searching for. Inevitably there'll be accusations of Garvey-ism throughout, but in full swing here, Liam could easily stagger arm-in-arm with Guy.' - Jaimie Hodgson / NME.com