7/10

Ever since the release of their brilliant self-titled debut album nearly twenty years ago, The Coral have been one of the most accomplished and captivating groups working the UK's indie-rock scene. With a strong blend of dynamic songwriting and adventurous ideas, the band have managed to remain fresh throughout the last two decades, and continue to bring us a wave of warm and enticing releases. And now they look to do it all again as they release their tenth full-length effort 'Coral Island', a record that shows they are still ready to delight us from start to finish.

While the band may not have the same raucous attitude they once did, 'Coral Island' still makes for a brilliantly mesmerising offering. With frontman James Skelly still commanding a strong and vicelike grip on the band's direction, they seem to have this effortless approach to everything on this new collection. It shows us that while the last few years have been rocky and uncertain, they still look to find a rich and soaring aesthetic that pushes their sound to the absolute zenith, and create a release that rarely seems to falter or see them slip into mediocrity.

While many of their fans will see this as a very safe full-length, 'Coral Island' is more about seeing a band reassured within themselves. It is clear they came at this new work with a very clear plan in mind, to which they never stray from, that makes for an incredibly succinct and cohesive offering throughout.