The Courtesy Group are led by performance poet Al Hutchins, a “howlin’ faggot-and-pea fuelled visionary” (Stewart Lee). He is joined by the snake-fingered guitarist Hidehiko Nagai, a two-pronged bass attack of Dave Cochrane (Terminal Cheesecake) and Saul Hillier, and backed up by the drums behemoth that is Dave Baker.
Fans and critics alike have revelled in their confrontational and blistering shows, a furious mixture of Beefheart, Spike Milligan and The Birthday Party. “2nd City Liquor” puts in your ears many of the live favourites that have been honed and road-tested over the years, playing alongside legends and friends like the Nightingales, and acclaimed breakthrough acts like Bristol’s Meatraffle.
They will be joined on the night by mysterious power duo Squalor Fan, and, keeping in with the Sunday Xpress’ and Al Hutchins’ roots, a performance poetry set by Kidderminster’s Bobby Parker. More will be announced over the next few weeks.
The Sunday Xpress has been championing the voices of underground, outsider and side-lined writers and artists in the backstreets of Digbeth for 12 years. In recent years they have been showcasing some of what they consider to be “the best bands you’ve never heard in your life” to the pubs and arts venues they have made their home. They are thrilled to have one of their regulars, The Courtesy Group, launching their new album at their event.