Falcon rises

This will be their biggest UK tour to date, culminating with a headline show at O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday, March 16.

It has been a busy year thus far with their album Anna released earlier this month and their single Lose Control launched on January 28.

The band have already been hotly tipped by music kingmakers NME magazine and Zane Lowe, with the latter offering an exclusive first listen to the band’s new album on his Radio 1 show.

The band, who have been described as a mix between Babyshambles and The Smiths, open their new album with an addictive hook followed by Liam’s distinctive vocals, which then catapult into a huge chorus of drums and melody.

It has been two years since The Courteeners last album Falcon, which charted at number six and followed the bands number four debut album St. Jude.

The band recorded the album in Manchester at 80 Hertz Studios with producer Joe Cross (Hurts) and last Friday, performed new tracks from it at a sold out homecoming show in the 17,000-capacity Manchester Arena.

The Courteeners will also be performing as part of XFM’s Winter Wonderland at O2 Academy Brixton on 17th December.

Going strong since 2006, the English indie rock band — who are all from Middleton — comprise of Liam James Fray (guitar/vocals), Michael Campbell (drums/backing vocals), Daniel Conan Craig Moores (guitar), 
and Mark Joseph Cuppello (bass).

Many Scottish fans will be familiar with the group following their triumphant set at last year’s T in the Park, on the NME/Radio 1 stage.

After seeing his latest album top the midweek charts and eventually finish at number six, lead singer Liam said: “I never started this band to be a member of the ‘alternative’ crowd. I want people to hear our music. You don’t make a living limping into the charts at number 89.”

n The band play Glasgow’s O2 Academy tomorrow (Friday). To book tickets visit www.ticketweb.co.uk.