by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Chicago’s Courtesy have been doing their own thing for a decade now, making indie rock that’s both electronic and experimental, but also draws from key elements of lo-fi production and slacker punk songwriting. Following up 2018’s HEY (which is still available as a commemorative crystal), the band return with their latest full length, Check The Milk, due out November 19th via Seasick Records, a record store that also has their own label. The album deals with themes of anxiety and isolation, but you’d never know it from the music. Courtesy’s sound is a unique one but could be described sounding something like Beck fronting Suuns after an extended Sic Alps kick. If that sounds interesting (and it should), be sure to give Courtesy a listen.
“Zapps” is the record’s first single finds the band making silky tape loop grooves, heavy in rhythm and foggy melodies. With a collage like construction, Courtesy’s music can often feel like modern psychedelic hip-hop and this beat pretty much lends itself to whomever dares to embrace it. For the band, they dive between a casual mumbled cool to something that definitely feels closer to Odelay era Beck in its exuberance. The video matches the song’s atmosphere, with a pair of googly eyes making their way onto everything from hand puppets, to oranges, and well… eyelids. It’s low stakes but feels right, an attitude reflected in the music.