Album Review: The Courteeners – Pink Cactus Cafe
2 min read
Being “Not Nineteen Forever” is at the heart of The Courteeners’ new album, Pink Cactus Café, and it’s surprisingly refreshing. Embracing life in their late 30s, they bring a sense of maturity that feels both honest and energising. Their debut album, St. Jude, released back in 2008, captured the spirit of youthful misadventure, but their sound has since evolved toward pop escapism with hints of psychedelia. The result is a rich, authentic, and revitalised feel that keeps The Courteeners relevant in today’s band scene.
The album’s opener, Sweet Surrender featuring the magnificent Brooke Combe, lyrically blends Tame Impala’s introspection with the vibe of Happy Mondays. The music pulls listeners back into Madchester’s late-90s soundscape, with punchy guitars and steady drum beats grounding the track. But it’s the underlying themes of escapism and optimism that make it feel warm—a tone that carries seamlessly into the next track, Weekend Shy of a Feeling. This song has the matter-of-fact depth of The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields, delivering storytelling with a touch of sentimentality.
The title track, Pink Cactus Café, is a vivid snapshot of love in your 30s. Liam Fray’s maturity as a songwriter is unmistakable here; his blend of sharp observation, wit, and honesty resonates. You can almost picture a cozy “reservation for two” at the café, complete with the opening whistle in the background.
Anthems that echo the band’s earlier sound add to the album’s mix. Love You Any Less and LuLu bring upbeat energy and explore themes of heartbreak and jealousy—perfect fuel for their upcoming live shows. Perhaps the album’s standout, First Name Terms, features the DIY, bubblegum pop sensation Pixey. This track is a modern-day duet reminiscent of A New England, drawing on both Bragg’s and MacColl’s interpretations. Tackling issues of class and disillusionment, the line “I think of England, but when does England ever think of you?” captures the weariness of Tory rule with a simplicity that resonates.
The legacy of St. Jude may be fading, but Pink Cactus Café feels like a confident rebrand. Bright, accomplished, and primed for their tour, this album confirms that The Courteeners are still one of the most clever, entertaining, and relevant bands to emerge from the noughties UK scene.
