The Coral - Magic And Medicine

What a way to shake off the annoying titles usually associated with The Coral, instead of presenting twelve rehashed versions of the quirky pop anthems that donned their first album, we find the lads in folk mode. Marred only by its distasteful retro production, it's certainly a step in the right direction for ensuring they aren't just another flavour of the month.

Opener, 'In The Forest' is possibly their finest track to date, and the most un-Coral like tune they have. A haunting organ soaked in reverb is overlayed with James' melancholic vocals, you'd swear he was mourning a recent death. Refreshing to hear the guitars are kept to a strict minimum. The two released singles so far are also the strongest offerings, unlike the rest, which focus mainly on song structures, these are dedicated to lovely, catchy melodies and work a treat. Beefheart is still a key influence on the infectious 'Gypsy Market Blues', although the inclusion of token Coral number 'Bill McCai' is a terrible attempt to appeal to their current fan-base.

It's the second half where the album seems to drift and unfortunately, it doesn't quite make it back on track by the time it ends. 'All Of Our Love' could easily be a left-over demo, its placing simply to make up numbers. Why it's so seriously under produced is baffling. Dropping 'Confessions Of A.D.D.D' altogether wouldn't go a miss either, it's fat too long and self-indulgent. Don't be fooled by the genius that is 'Don't Think You're The First', the album is far from experimentation or even diversity and will take time to grow. Owing more to folk, 'Magic' is not as easily accessible as the debut, there's not many obvious singles or radio-friendly unit shifters. Still, a damn fine follow up.