Nearly 20 years after their debut LP introduced these psych head Merseyside wizards to the world, it’s a delight to report that the band continue to excite and impress. They’ve always had a soul that pounds to the tune of classic Merseybeat but it should not be ignored that to maintain the vitality of their work over two decades is a rare thing. It’s almost got to the stage now where a great new Coral album is received with predictable admiration but we rarely stop to fully appreciate what a classy band they have always been. They’re the pride of Liverpool, flying the flag for the melodically rich Beat and Psych Pop that the Beatles set the standards for. But doing it time and time again, soon enough I am going to spend time going deep on this bands back catalogue, I can’t recall a time when they’ve ever disappointed, every album seems to have at least two or three out-and-out classics and the new release, ‘Coral Island’ is no different. It’s a concept album in the classic late-60s Ogden’s tradition complete with spoken word interludes threading the whole trip together. The vinyl is an especially mouth watering beast, get in on this magnificent musical adventure right now and hear this music in the best way possible, a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
