Directed by Joe Connor and set in the heart of a night out, the video for 'Heavy Jacket' is the first instalment of a three-part collaboration between Courteeners and acclaimed author Emma Jane Unsworth. Courteeners began working with Unsworth after Liam Fray asked her to write something specifically for the band. The story she delivered, titled Better, has been made into a short film that comprises of three Courteeners videos, the first of which debuts today. Parts two and three will follow.

The three separate parts of the story will be also available to read online to coincide with their corresponding video.

"This project has felt like pure magic," gushed Unsworth. "I’ve never written a music video before and was honoured when Liam asked me to write a story for the songs – the new album is so powerful and poetic, a real urgent work of art, brimming with themes I’m obsessed with: the complex quest for self-improvement; how we ever find sanctuary in our human bodies; the parts of us that persist as we grow older and not always wiser; the parts of us we choose to leave behind if we find the right exit strategy. The things we might need to remind ourselves of now and then, after a heavy one."

“I’ve been a fan of Emma, and her words, for a long time," said Fray of the collaboration. "She leaves an impression on the reader that lasts much longer than the page. I read Animals whilst in the States last year, and although I found comfort in the places it name checked, perhaps what pulled me in more was the mirror that it held up to me - the continuing Jekyll and Hyde of entering your thirties and not knowing if you're making the right decision or a right fucking mess of your life.

“I’m thrilled and humbled that we've been able to work together, along with Joseph Connor, on creating a little world for these songs and characters to exist in. I believe that literary works, film and music can be close relatives (ones that get along!) It's been a dream to be involved with such talented people as Emma, as well as Joseph - who we've worked with on various projects for years. The videos really do look and feel like short films and that is all down to Joseph and his team -who have been incredibly passionate since day one. I think we've created something truly special and I hope it resonates."

'Heavy Jacket' serves as the first track off the Courteeners' upcoming sixth album More. Again. Forever., which will be released on 17 January 2020. The album is available now for preorder.

Watch the 'Heavy Jacket' video below and read the first part of Better by Emma Jane Unsworth here.

Photography by Lindsey Holt