Artist Name: Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie

Release Name - Mercy

Release Date - 11 October 2024

Genre - Blues Rock, Rock

“My lord this woman has a voice (and delivery, not always the same!)” – Graham Reid, Elsewhere

With sensationally powerful vocals and rocking guitar riffs, Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie deliver a stunner with Mercy, their debut six-track EP which showcases the intoxicating sound, deep soul and moving balladry of this brand new swamp-drenched dirty delta-blues-rock band from the heart of Taranaki.

Conduits of a raw, searing energy infused with a vast range of collective influences, Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie are steeped in the mystique of genre bending blues-swamp imbued with a dark country-rock vibe. Born from the depths of inspiration and fuelled by a shared love for the blues, the band features the masterful talents of: Chad Williams (drums); Keith Parker (bass); Courtnay Low (rhythm guitar/lead vocal); Anna Rowe (backing vocals) and Tim Lloyd (lead guitar).

A super-talented force of nature, songwriter and guitarist Courtnay Low is a singer without match, possessing a distinct and pure voice that moves effortlessly between ranges with a depth and strength that is equal parts fierce and gentle.

From the angelic smoothness of ‘GRAVES’ and mellifluous ‘LOST AT SEA’, to the haunting, heart-wrenching belter of mammoth ballad ‘THE GREAT WAVE’, to the powerful rock vocal performances on the devilishly good, beast of a title track ‘MERCY’, the blistering stomper ‘VULTURE, VULTURE’ and all out alt-swamp-rocker ‘LEAVE OUT THE REST’, Courtnay reveals a huge vocal range that is unsurpassed, firmly placing her in the top tier of New Zealand vocalists.

The whole EP was recorded and mixed by talented engineer Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace in Ōakura and mastered by Chris Chetland at Auckland’s Kog Studio, ensuring that MERCY is permeated with the richness and tone envisioned by Courtnay and the band. 

Says Courtnay: “The songs on our release differ hugely, but they all have that dark alt-country/swamp vibe, fused with a modern rock take. I think it’s important as a musician to not corner yourself into one specific type of writing or emotion. What you’re actually trying to do I think, is create a space for people to come in and relate whatever they have going on in their lives to your outlet, so it becomes their outlet also. It’s all about the human experience, for me anyway.”

Two singles were released off the MERCY EP - the fiery, badass debut single and title track with video ‘Mercy’, closely followed by the evocative ‘Lost At Sea’, which gave the first glance into Courtnay’s artistry. With lyrics that delve into stories of heartache, resilience, and the vast continuum of raw emotions that define the human experience, this is music that hits all the feels, and with a helluva punch!

Says Courtnay: “My lyrics delve into the complexities of human existence, exploring themes of love, controversy, loss, triumph, and vulnerability. Through my songs, I hope to spark emotions, ignite memories, and offer a refuge for those seeking solace in the symphony of life.”

Case in point is standout track ‘The Great Wave’, which is down-right spine-tingling. As haunting and heart-felt a tribute as is possible, Courtnay slays as she sings on the passing of her father: “Today I watched my favourite tree fall...The night I watched him fall, Is the night I lost it all… Those we love don’t go away…”

Now Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie are ready to shine their radiant light brightly, so let them lead you on an evocative musical voyage through the heartland of the blues, where the waters run deep, stories unfold, and the music keeps you moving. Unforgettable and electric, their hypnotic blend of alt-country-folk-rock and swamp-blues magic will leave you hungry for more and eager to witness the rise of this exceptional new band. 

Round up your fave friends and whanau for a night of unholy revelry and rock n roll! Come and see Courtnay and the band perform live and celebrate the release of MERCY  - for more information, go to courtnaylow.com

COURTNAY & THE UNHOLY REVERIE – MERCY EP RELEASE PARTY

Friday 29 November – The Most FM, Taranaki 
tickets from undertheradar.co.nz

Saturday 30 November – Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland
With special guests Animalhead + Silcrow
Tickets from dingdongloungenz.com