Liverpool’s rising indie-rock stars Courting kick off their 2025 with the release of their powerful new single 'After You', the second track from their highly-anticipated third album, 'Lust for Life, Or: ‘How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story’', which is set to drop on the 14th March via Lower Third Records.
Following the atmospheric energy of lead single 'Pause At You', 'After You' offers another glimpse into the layered, anxiety-tinged soundscape of 'Lust for Life…' Both singles are tied together by their synth-driven arrangements and thematic exploration of unease and duality, yet 'After You' shifts gears with its hypnotic rhythms and raw intensity.
Frontman Sean Murphy-O’Neill describes the album as “direct and succinct,” emphasising its deliberate impact: “We wanted the wall of guitars and the drums to feel almost hypnotic. A lot of the album is about the idea of duality, and lyrically, this song can be read in either a stalkerish voice or a romantic voice—it’s all up to you.”
'After You' stands as a centrepiece of the band’s evolution, showcasing Courting’s ability to balance experimental textures with immediate, visceral impact. The track builds on the frenetic dance-punk energy of 'Pause At You' while delivering a heavier, more immersive experience, marked by the repeated lyric: “Can we split off in groups of two?”
To accompany the single, Courting have released an official music video directed by longtime collaborator Charlie Barclay-Harris. Shot in stark black and white, the video amplifies the album’s themes of dichotomy and tension, creating a haunting visual that lingers long after it ends. Watch it in the player below.
