Although I only discovered The Courettes this year, their latest album, Soul of the Fabulous Courettes, is actually their fourth, proving that they are already a well-established band. For those who haven’t yet ventured into the groovy world of The Courettes, here’s a quick intro: The band is a married duo—Flavia Couri (guitar and vocals) and Martin Couri (drums)—hailing from Brazil and Denmark.
Musically, the word ‘groovy’ definitely fits the bill. The Courettes draw clear inspiration from ’60s girl groups like The Ronettes, and that retro feel shines throughout their songs. This album epitomizes that sound, especially on tracks like Boom Boom Boom, which even features a snippet of dialogue that feels like it was pulled straight from a vintage film, adding to the nostalgic charm. The band also cite Motown as a big influence on ‘Soul of the Fabulous Courettes’. To really confirm their commitment to those influences, tracks ‘California’ and ‘Run Run Runaway’ even feature La La Brooks of The Crystals singing- the voice of ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’
The songs are upbeat, catchy, and perfect for dancing—take Shake! for example. If this track doesn’t make you want to move, well, I’d question whether you even have a soul! But the album also offers a change of pace with mellower tracks like For Your Love and Wall of Pain, giving listeners a chance to catch their breath between all the retro grooving.
While the band’s love for the past is undeniable, this is far from just a nostalgic throwback. The Courettes bring those retro sounds into the present, mixing in elements of psychedelia and garage rock to give the music a fresh edge. My personal favourite on this album is Better Without You—a sassy, empowering banger that feels like it could easily be the anthem of a modern-day femme fatale. It strikes the perfect balance between vintage cool and contemporary rock energy, making it both timeless and relevant.
The songs are also deeply personal, truly baring the band’s soul both musically and lyrically. Both members lost their fathers, with Flavia losing hers to COVID. Songs ‘I Don’t Want You Back’ and ‘Keep Dancing’ are about her difficult relationship with her father, his death and about breaking free from his power over her. A direct quote from their press release from Flavia sums it up. “Life is so fragile, but what are you supposed to do? I’d rather dance.”
Overall, Soul of the Fabulous Courettes offers the best of both worlds: retro vibes with a modern twist. It’s fun, dynamic, and filled with the kind of energy that only a band like The Courettes can deliver. If you haven’t checked them out yet, now’s the time—you’re in for a real treat.
‘Soul of The Courettes’ is out now via Damaged Good Records and you can get it here
Find The Courettes on the following platforms- Facebook/Instagram/X
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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