Some may be surprised to hear that The Courteeners have had three top 10 albums in the UK since their formation in 2006. In fact, latest LP Anna (recorded with Hurts producer Joe Cross) looked on course to become the band’s first No. 1 until the power of the Les Misérables soundtrack had its say. It’s a phenomenal track record made even more impressive by the group’s reluctance to engage in heavy-handed record promotion or social networking campaigns.
The Manchester lads’ branch of mainstream indie rock has had a cult following since their 2008 debut St. Jude and they bring an affable swagger that has been regularly compared to fellow Mancunians Oasis. But while Oasis remain cracked in two, The Courteeners return to Glastonbury’s John Peel Stage for the first time in five years as fan favourites and with very little to prove.
