Kris R directs a superb blend of performance and offbeat narrative for Liverpool-based band Courting. In the video for Tennis, the band's delivery of a betrayed sugar daddy's monologue, ending his relationship with his trophy wife, is gatecrashed by the less composed reality of this unattractive character. As the band perform the speech he wishes to make, he blunders around, trying to contact her, in an increasing state of helpless drunken fury. From the idiosyncratic performance of the band, to the slightly haunting presence of the main character, Kris R brings humour with a sense of discomfort and danger in almost every scene - which makes the visual even more absorbing and addictive. Also, I'm sure we won't be the first to point out the rather fitting link between the band name and the track name... Coincidence or fate? I guess we'll wait and see what they come up with next.
Rob Ulitski - 26th Apr 2022