Coral

Liverpool sextet, the Coral, emerged from a blossoming 'scousedelic' scene in late-2001. Equal parts Mersey Beat, the Doors, Dylan, and Oasis, the Coral's sound was unique and diverse enough to generate column inches in the fickle British music press. Having established a club night that promoted early gigs by fellow bands, the Zutons and the Dead 60s, the Deltasonic label was set-up specifically for the Coral. After one limited edition EP--Shadows Fall--in July 2001, the band were snapped up by Sony. The Skeleton Key EP preceded the release of the band's self-titled debut album in August 2002. By now the hype surrounding the Coral was so great that the album rocketed into the UK charts at number 5, and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize barely 24 hours after being released. Although the UK press inevitably moved on to the 'next big thing' the Coral have managed a prolific 5 albums in as many years, including a number one with the 2003 album MAGIC & MEDICINE.