Album review: THE CORONAS – Thoughts & Observations

So Far So Good [Release date 27.09.24]

The Coronas are a big deal in their native Ireland where their last three albums have gone straight to number 1 in the Irish charts.

Although technically a three-piece, with Danny O’Reilly (vocals, piano and guitar), Graham Knox (bass) and Conor Egan (drums), the band used their touring musicians on this album with Lar Kaye (All Tvvins) on guitar, Cian MacSweeney (True Tides) on sax and Roisin O on backing vocals.

‘Speak Up’ was the first single from the album, a lively affair with a strong chorus. The up-tempo ‘Singing Just For You (On Occasion)’ has plenty of heft and depth in the arrangements.

‘Confirmation’ is perhaps the album’s vocal highlight, made that little bit extra special by pianist and composer Jamie Duffy. The other guest is singer and songwriter Gabrielle Alpin on ‘That’s Exactly What Love Is’. An emotive tour de force and both singers complement each other.

Loving ‘At Least She’s Laughing’, which sounds not unlike Marillion’s Steve Hogarth, circa that band’s ‘Holidays In Eden’ era. The backing vocals of Roisin O add a bit more magic too.

The Coronas could easily make more headway into the UK as their music is easy on the ear and Danny O’Reilly has a powerful, melodious vocal. An enjoyable album for sure, it just lacks a couple more ‘wow’ moments like ‘Confirmation’ and ‘At Least She’s Laughing’. Like the latest one from Snow Patrol, fine to listen to but you’re not itching to play it again. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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