THE Coral make boy music that even girls can love.

They're a white-boy guitar combo, but they don't let it limit them.

Their names are James, Ian, Nick, Bill, Lee and Paul. They're not Scousers, as has been reported, but variously from Ellesmere Port, Hoylake and beyond. And they're nothing like as scally as some people would like to make out.

Living by the sea has lent their songs a maritime edge, but they also write about other things, like time travel. They are fond of the occasional ''smoke''.

Like all sensible young men, they hate Geri but love Destiny's Child. Unlike most, they will admit to fancying Susan Kennedy off Neighbours. They aren't phased by the best-new-band-in-the-country tags, but are confident enough to know that it's probably true.

On record they are smooth and lilting. Live, they are furious and uninhibited. They've got a new EP, The Oldest Path, due on December 10. And they play Manchester University on Wednesday.

They're going to be a big part of people's lives very soon and they're really not to be missed.

Tweet