How’s about this for a random bit of trivia – apparently Scott Walker is a massive fan of The Coral. At the risk of offending anyone, this particular writer finds it interesting, if somewhat paradoxical, as to how someone as influential, introverted, dark and enigmatic could find inspiration in such a scallytastic-by-numbers band.
It appears that after the commercial success of Magic & Medicine, the Hoylake boys have reached the ‘difficult third album’ phase. Their way of dealing with such pressure? Release a third album that isn’t really a third album. Nightfreak is intended to keep hunger locked up until their ‘proper’ third album arrives (their words, not mine). As a result, Nightfreak is a limited edition affair, with no imminent single releases. Which is just as well, as there are no real stand-out tracks that could match the fervour, the energy, or the commercial viability of ‘Pass It On’. To be fair though, there is a light-hearted, spontaneous energy propping up the album, presumably due to the fact that it was recorded in two weeks, and incorporates the band’s indelible trademark with some slightly unexpected dance-disco influences (‘Venom Cable’) and pop-rockabilly twists (‘I Forgot My Name’).
As a response to the possible expectations created by their commercial success, this is mercifully low-key and uncompromising. The Coral have obviously decided to try out some psychedelic experiments and sketches one last time before attempting to deliver the commercially shiny and flawless pop album that is expected of them. Maybe Scott Walker was right all along…