The Coral, a truly unique band hailing from Merseyside, England, have done it again. Their new long-player Butterfly House fully captures their essence and doesn’t hide their influences. Along with Byrdsian melodies, CSNY harmonies and classic pop hooks; this is The Coral at their best. It is the culmination of their somewhat zany early years and their more sixties-inspired last few years and it doesn’t disappoint.
The opening track is an instant classic. ‘More Than A Lover’ sets the stage for what you know will be an album of jaw-dropping, face-in-hands moments.
John Squire inspired Sally Cinnamon-era Stone Roses guitars creep in on ‘Rovin’ Jewel’. The jingle jangle of the Byrds and ghosts of CSNY can be heard ‘Two Faces’. And although influences abound, The Coral manage to make all of these sounds their own.
Lead singer James Skelly manages is clearly at ease on the more up-tempo ‘North Parade (After The Fair)’ and then throttles back on the delicate ‘All Around You’.
Over the years they have managed to transform themselves from a cast of crazy seaside characters to some very sophisticated sixties-inspired crooners. Others might have lost interest when they released ‘Roots and Echoes’ in 2007 and started their evolution as a band. Their early sound was clearly attributable to their age and desire to find their own voice. That often chaotic and inventive sound helped shape them as a band.
Although might be afraid of the ‘m’ word, I think The Coral have embraced it and moved on. There’s nothing wrong with a little maturity now and again. 8/10
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