The Courteeners - That Kiss, That first album, That it...?

Now let there be no doubt about it - Liam Fray is a fucking great song writer. I believe the majority enjoyed his yearning penned tales of love, loss, lust and the like. And here, the self-proclaimed musical saviour has taken a step away from St Jude to present that nation with a track not featured on the album, and good on the boy! St Jude has only been out a number of months and the fact that Fray and his lesser known band mates are producing songs not featured on their debut is a productive step forward.

“That Kiss” is a delicate indie ballad, once again, encapsulating Fray’s lovable topic, the hot potato of the broken soul - A man tortured by the unknowing female race who simply continue their business unaware of the catastrophic damage they are causing. And as women continue to break hearts like cheap toys in a problem child’s bedroom, Fray continues to pen his sensitive misdemeanours down…song after song.

There are certain song highlights. Once again Fray shows his capability as a true poet in the urban jungle of house parties, ASBO’s and under drinking and blasts in with lyrical hop-scotch which runs so smoothly of the tongue…”If he only knew what you thought/ The lust, the lack of trust and temptation you fought” entwined into the ever self-reassurance of his personal conversation, “It meant nothing/ It meant everything” proves itself to be a real relationship bust-up anthem.

But here is where the problem lies. Despite the clear lyrical wisdom it seems that this is hardly a step forwards for The Courteeners. Sure it’s not on the album, but “Please don’t” is. A lazy comparison maybe…But a comparison that makes utter sense in the circumstance. And as the brilliant Fray, and I do mean that, continues his soul aching ramblings of “He’s just a passing fashion/ And he’s on his way out” I cannot help but ponder the same thing. A great debut, but with a great debut must come more greatness…that is if Liam isn’t to fall victim to his own written work.

CHECK OUT THE NEW VIDEO HERE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8R6oSOidiI

Sergeant - Top notch guitar pop

Scotland’s latest export, pop prodigies Sergeant, have unleashed a three track E.P. The melody rammed, limited edition record is filled to the brim with youth-defining tales. “Our lives are all about living for the nights we can’t remember” yaps front man, Nick Mercer, in the most sincere and profound manor.

Chirpy indie guitars are strung along by the metaphoric daisy-chain of harmonic Scottish vocals, all of which is accredited by the prolific licks and riffs of a very La’s-esqe swagger. Now comparisons will fly, lazy comparisons which may mention their Dundee counterparts - The View - But let it be known! The Glenrothes four are floating high above the fields of the norm, as here they have created a tip-top pop E.P which dangles strangely close to perfection.