Courtesans – ‘Better Safe Than Sober’ EP review

Review by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Courtesans are a four piece doom pop act hailing from London, UK. Their unique sound embraces many styles and subtleties to capture the best elements of each including grunge, alternative rock and electronic, which results in their genre bending and innovative sound. Following the release of their widely received debut album, ‘1917’ and their successful Pledge Music campaign in 2016, they aren’t holding back in any way and are ready to solidify their stamp in the scene further with their highly anticipated new E.P ‘Better Safe Than Sober’ out March 31st.

The EP kicks off with new video single, ‘Mesmerise’ which immediately masks us in an dark enthralling ambience, aided by the effects and isolated vocals, with resonant instruments to give extra oomph, and when it peaks at the crescendo you truly are taken under there mesmerising allure. The end is particularly powerful and defiant with more angsty vocals, leaving you hooked and ready for more…
‘Feel The Same’ keeps us guessing with a rap style intro, before a sweet melodic alternative pop chorus comes in, going between the transition between the two genres, which is excellently constructed and is highly effective. The talking sections get more emotive and bleak as it progresses with the instruments helping to reflect the tone. This is cleverly portraying a dark meets light sound.
‘John Doe’ sounds eerie and desolate, making an atmospheric start, with soft pleasant stripped back vocals to accompany. Again the beats and melodies grow effortlessly and seamlessly along. It possesses a strong presence that is soaring and all consuming, and the same can be said of all the tracks featured on the EP, making it easy to get lost in the diverse sounds.
‘Knowhere’ is instantly heavier sounding from the off, portraying their doom rock influences more so with catchy dark riffs all wrapped in a dance trance vibe, with great sonic sounds throughout.
Last song, ‘The Tide’ goes back to their trip-hop sound which comes off as vulnerable and helps add extra depth and complexity to their invigorating style. The structure and use of sounds is intelligible and immense, flowing like a calm ocean current, leading up to a full blown tidal wave. This is a very appropriate way to describe their immersive sound also.
This E.P toys with your musical expectations and senses in the greatest sense, defying what you know and creating something different and exciting. It is irresistibly dark and captivating and leaves you thirsty for more.
Score: 5/5
‘Better Safe Than Sober’ is released 31st March 2017.

Courtesans are:
Sinead La Bella – Vocals
Saffire Sanchez – Guitar
Agnes D. Jones – Bass
Vikki Frances – Drums

Website – www.thecourtesans.org
Facebook – www.facebook.com/thecourtesans
Twitter – https://twitter.com/the_courtesans
You Tube – http://www.youtube.com/user/CatrionaVillenhardt/videos                           Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/courtesans/

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