The Courtesans – Genius

Erotic, enchanting and often deliciously hypnotic, femme four-piece The Courtesans are one of the emerging sensations of modern rock music. New single “Genius” is a sample of their spellbinding wonder, a luxury alt pop fascination released in anticipation of upcoming debut album 1917.

“Genius” opens with sparse drum crashes and a briefly ominous refrain, but soon evolves into a dark, gothic and theatrical rock imprint. The rich and sultry vocal tones of Sinead La Bella are a draw, artful and deeply feminine with just a hint of debauchery. But, above all else, “Genius” is cinematic; lavishly so. It’s possible to imagine it as part of the iconic James Bond title sequence. And the seductive video (below), with obvious BDSM themes, completes a gripping audio-visual experience.

The Courtesans are Sinead, Saffire, Agnes and Victoria. The vixenous foursome exude a carefully crafted fusion of girl power, feminism and sexuality, fitting of their beautifully crafted music. Formed in 2011, it’s perhaps a long time to take to formally release a debut single, but the maturity in their sound is easy to hear. The girls utilised crowdfunding to bankroll debut album 1917, due in October and expected to flitter between styles influenced by genres as diverse as trip-hop, metal and dubstep.

Unsurprisingly, The Courtesans are far from a one-sound wonder, and their other publically-released material offers additional intrigue. “Lullaby” is a downbeat, doom pop number, while “Liberate” is entrancing, gloomy, and collectively informed by a plethora of musical tropes that demonstrates just how plentiful their inspirations are. Between these and the brilliant “Genius”, The Courtesans are a band you should most definitely check out. 8.1/10
Katy Blackwood

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