Five years have passed since The Coral exploded on to the UK music scene with their highly revered debut self-titled album. With killer indie-disco tune ‘Dreaming of You’ at the forefront of the bands assault, they made a unquestionable mark upon onlookers, Gallagher and Alex Turner amongst others. Their first album was even nominated for the Mercury Prize literally days after its release. All this coming with most of the band still in their teens.
Since these early years, the band has continued to churn out impressive pop hooks. Their 5th studio album however, shows a greater sense of maturity and indeed reflection. This new effort comes after a seemingly much-needed break; lead singer James Skelly has recently been quoted as saying that ‘By the end of the last tour we were falling apart.’ With this break, the band have clearing been contemplating about what they have achieved so far and yet still managed to create another strong album.
Proceedings begin with the bands upcoming single Who’s Gonna Find Me. Released on 30th July, the track does seem to lack the bouncy optimism of songs such as ‘In The Morning’ and ‘Pass It On.’ With a more laid back approach, it lacks the pace of songs from previous albums. However, a number of tracks do seem to miss the bright enthusiasm that characterised previous efforts and its difficult to say whether the band are over the tumultuous past few years. A number of songs seemed tinged with a deep sadness, but things lighten up with ‘Jacqueline’ and ‘Cobwebs.’ Whether this album signifies progression or decline is difficult to ascertain.
Produced by Craig Silvey (The Magic Numbers), The Coral certainly show the immense writing talent they still have, the song ‘Fireflies’ is encapsulating. Given their considerable youth, the band seem to be showing a certain maturity beyond their years. However, this album does seem like a bit of stop-gap, possibly keeping fans interested while the band still sort out their internal problems.
While lacking the pop hooks of the past, this reviewer is convinced that it’s missing just that little something that has so characterised The Coral in the past. Altogether, it is a good album just not quite up there with their previous efforts. Despite these niggling criticisms, Roots and Echoes is still a solid record. It may not have you running to the dance floor but it is a nice record to sit back and chill out to. Upon time of publishing the band will have performed at the Arctic Monkey’s uber-concerts at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and with performances at V Festival and plans for a UK tour later this year, The Coral are very much a band that must be caught live. With youth on their side there is still very much more to come from the Merseyside lads.
www.thecoral.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thecoral
October tour dates:
Monday 8th October Nottingham, Rock City 0870 310 0000
Tuesday 9th October Bristol, Academy 0870 771 2000
Thursday 11th October London, Roundhouse 0870 389 1846
Friday 12th October Manchester, Academy 1 0161 832 1111
Saturday 13th October Leeds University 0113 244 4600
Sunday 14th October Birmingham, Academy 0870 771 2000
Tuesday 16th October Oxford, Academy 0870 771 2000
Wednesday 17th October Southampton, Guildhall 0238 063 2601
Thursday 18th October Sheffield, Octagon 0114 222 8777
Saturday 20th October Glasgow, ABC1 0870 169 0100
Special guests The Metros
24hr cc hotline 0871 220 0260 or buy online at www.gigsandtours.com
Tickets: £16.00 except London £17.50 on sale Friday 27th July at 10am.
www.myspace.com/thecoralhttp://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1277383&epi=subbacultcha&url=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=260148175&s=143444&partnerld=2003
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