In these early days as a reviewer, I realized how difficult it is to write about albums that have not yet been considered. Especially if we take for granted that it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the artists and the albums being discussed. At my third review, I say "mea culpa" and surrender. However, my fault remains a venial one since this "Roots And Echoes" has been mentioned only once. Now, enough with the chit chat.
The Coral are one of the most interesting and creative bands to emerge in the UK in recent years, and so far, they have always demonstrated how one can make retro music while maintaining a freshness and a style all their own. After the good "The Invisible Invasion" (not their best work though), here they are again with "Roots And Echoes". It kicks off with the single "Who's Gonna Find Me", a lively and nice song in full Coral style, but I would not count it among the album's happiest episodes. The following "Remember Me", on the other hand, stands out for its interesting arrangement and already raises the tone of the album. The psychedelic "Fireflies", the fast "In The Rain", and the irresistible "She's Gotta a Reason" with its breathtaking finale, reveal themselves as high-quality tracks and take us back to the atmospheres of their surprising debut. But the Coral know how to handle ballads too and deliver two gems such as "Jacqueline", which is also the other single, and the melancholic and autumnal "Rebecca You" with those fitting strings at the end.
Even though it is less fresh and spontaneous than their eponymous debut, and certainly a notch below that little gem which is "Magic And Medicine", this "Roots And Echoes" is a further confirmation of the talent of these young guys. By now, a consolidated reality.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Put the Sun Back (03:04)
I caught you crying
Trying to hide your tears away
And all the while
I never knew you felt this way
I've loved you from the start
How could we let this come apart ?
We've got to put
The sun back in our hearts
Through the alleyways
The avenues and dreary days
Your schoolyard eyes
Hypnotizing every time
When we kiss in the dark
Emotion tearing us apart
We've got to put
The sun back in our hearts
Down the cinder path
And through the hedge
Climbing up to the window ledge
Throwing lockets to make a scene
I can't explain, you know what I mean
I caught you crying
Trying to hide your tears away
But your crippled smile
Will always give the game away
Are we falling apart ?
Are we just walking in the park ?
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By GrantNicholas
They know how to make pop like few others, and you can’t always expect a masterpiece every time.
Music At Night, an amazing track of over six minutes with a fast and engaging rhythm that shakes up a very (too) regular album right at the end.