The Courettes are one of the hardest working bands around. In the last two months that have played in in three continents, they have landed in London to play as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration for the Damned. Being “gifted” the toughest slot, opening the show and a stage time of 6.10pm, many bands would show up, play to a handful of accidental fans and hang around to watch the main act. Not this band.
The Courettes are a tour de force, and the never play below 100%. They look amazing, no departures from the monochrome black and white 60's chic. They take the stage and rip straight into “The Boy I Love”, encouraging the few early arrivals to join them. “California” followed, a beautiful beach boys vibe and fantastic hook line. Very quickly, the venue fills as Damned fans enter, leaving the overpriced Arena bars and merch stands to investigate the wall of noise. Flavia burns brightly as she shimmies through "I want you like a cigarette", more cheers and more fans attracted to the pulsating sounds of the Fabulous Courettes. Throwing her Cadillac guitar around like a machine gun during "Dymanite", Flavia is full control, the growing crowd bending to her will, they even forgive the mixed imagery. “Misfits and Freaks” was a high point, a single from their third album "Back in mono" and seemed appropriate for a crowd of long-time punks. The crowd now almost filled the venue and the cheers and applause increased with each song. Martin introduces the band more often than necessary they are playing in front of a 30ft high screen with the band’s name, though it was behind him.
I am always amazed at the sheer power this band produce. Martin pounds his drums and builds a firm foundation for Flavia’s catchy riffs. A married couple offstage, they are a hardcore union onstage. Finishing the set with "Keep Dancing" a sunny song which paradoxically is about her fractured relationship with her father. Art is always a mixture of sunshine and shade. The last song is the wonderful ass kicking "Shake". They leave to stage to huge applause and cheers and a promise that they will return to these shores late summer. If you haven't seen this band, you are missing out. A Tribute, a throwback, but no pastiche, this is a band on fire and at the height of their powers.
