CityLife

The Coral

James Skelly of The Coral

The Coral
Ruby Lounge
January 15, 2011

Since breaking onto the scene in 2002 with their hit Dreaming of You, the Coral have become the master purveyors of 60s psychedelia-laced music.

But for a special gig the Merseysiders went back to basics. No drums, no jumping around, just three lads on acoustic guitars churning out their classic hits – which there seems to be an endless list of – and new tracks thrown in for good measure.

But this was no amateur busking, the sound, music and singing were as note perfect as you’re likely to hear wafting from three acoustic guitars.

The music had a folksy sound, thanks to the three guys/three guitars formula and channelled the spirit of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Singer James Skelly’s voice was as clear as a mountain glacier. After rattling off their new stuff, which seemed to pass much of the crowd by, they trotted out their hits.

This, inevitably, sparked the sold-out audience into life who didn’t let the sit-down, laid-back vibe stop them enjoying the songs they clearly loved. Slowly whipping up the by-now eager audience, the hits came thick and fast.

No special effects, no dazzling lights, no keyboards, just guitars. But they saved the best for last and in time- honoured acoustic gig fashion, covered other bands.

The Beatles’ Ticket To Ride and Ben E. King’s Stand By Me surely the highlight of the night.

A different sound to how you usually hear the tracks? Of course. Just as good? Of course.