The Coral
Roots And Echoes

THE REVIEW

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.