Wednesday 7 July 2010

The Coral- Butterfly House (Deltasonic)


The Coral- Butterfly House (Deltasonic)

Its been a while since a new album from the Wirrals favourite sons of the last decade, who released four albums and a mini album (which was in itself the length of an album) over five years, while Butterfly house has taken significantly longer and has been described by the band as the hardest record to make since their debut. "Butterfly House" is never going to convincce any doubters that The Coral are an extraordinary band, but anyone for a previous appreciation for the band or in for jangly British indie pop in general will find something to like on the new album. Disappointingly as jangly as it is, there is nothing here you haven't heard from them or any other band before and there is actually no truly stand out single like on the past four albums.

However that's not to say the album is without merit or without songs, their inspirations have grown and The Coral embrace the rich tapestry of their home city and country, at moments utilizing Beatles harmonies and Clinic's experimental moments to create a experimental (if slightly more downbeat than previous albums) warm and textured album. They flirt with complex vocal parts, soaring guitar solos and create an atmosphere that would still make Ray Davies proud, utlizing different instruments and textures to bring the whole album together. There's elements of a wider sound that embraces 60s/70s poppy psychedelia, middle of the road love songs, Crosby, Stills & Nash with a coolness that will see them as one of the chillout albums of the summer. As always with the Coral there is an ill at ease confidence which sometimes slips into a sense of nonchalance which often can be mistaken for a lack of effort. "Butterfly House" is not without its charm and effort though and as an a group of songs, it's pretty ambious and ebs and flows perfectly, but simply does not have a sing-a-long standout which made the band effortlessly infectious and a stand out in the scene of nostaglia that emerged around the debut and it's quick followup. It also mistakenly sometimes drops into some bad british indie cliches at times particularly on the schmaltzy and too twee "Falling all around you" but gradually the album picks up pace and John Lackie's production and experience serves the band well. "Butterfly House" as previously stated will not convince doubters that The Coral are anymore than they are/were but its a pleasing listen which should fairly re-establish them as a British treasure able to write good pop melodies and embrace British Music History with a sometimes fresh ear. 7/10

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