ALBUM: The Coral – Roots and Echoes

It came as something of a surprise to discover that this was The Coral’s fourth album, as it appears that very few of their previous songs have stuck with me. And I can’t see any of these doing so either.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with them. It’s a collection of smooth, mature songs with dark lyrical edges, but there’s nothing particularly memorable about any of them and it’s hard to recall them enough to hum them after they’ve finished.

First single Who’s Gonna Find Me is one of the ones that might, but only after several hearings. Long-time fans will probably find this a worthwhile addition to their collection and a natural progression to a more grown-up, less quirky sound for the band but I can’t see this album winning them any new converts. Julia Collins

Buy Roots and Echoes here.