The Coral Drop Surprise Thirteenth Album, 388, Following Secret Physical Release

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, The Coral return with their surprise thirteenth studio album, 388, available now alongside a brand-new music video for the single “Let The Music Play.”

The Coral pulled off a major surprise for fans, officially unleashing their thirteenth studio album, 388. The rollout began quietly via an unconventional physical-only distribution strategy, appearing unannounced on the shelves of independent record stores. Following weeks of growing fan speculation and rumors, the band made the 11-track record available nationwide across high street music stockists and digital platforms, accompanied by a music video for the single “Let The Music Play.”

Inside the Sound and Creation of ‘388’

Recorded entirely in just two weeks, the new album captures the pure, raw essence of The Coral. Frontman James Skelly notes that the creative process drew heavy inspiration from the nostalgic warmth of vintage cassette tapes by iconic reggae figures like The Wailers and Lee Scratch Perry, formerly discovered in bargain bins, secondhand shops, and car boot sales.

Musically, the project channels a wide range of eclectic influences, including early 1960s vocal groups, classic Rocksteady, and the beloved Ethiopiques compilation series. Lyrically and tonally, the album reflects upon the personal and collective triumphs, struggles, new beginnings, and losses experienced by the band members over the past three decades.

Track Listing

The 11-track sequence of 388 features:

1. Let The Music Play
2. Ride That Train
3. Leave It In The Past
4. You & Me (And The Beautiful Sea)
5. Shame
6. Here Come The Tears
7. Yellow Moon
8. Sad Girl
9. High Tide
10. Spirit Catcher
11. Crossing The Sands

Continuing a Storied Legacy

The surprise drop followed hot on the heels of the band’s strong commercial success with their album, Sea Of Mirrors, which peaked in the UK Official Album Chart Top Five. Over a career spanning nearly thirty years, The Coral have firmly cemented their place in British music history. They boast six UK Top Five albums—including Magic and Medicine, Nightfreaks and the Sons of Becker, The Invisible Invasion, Coral Island, and Sea of Mirrors—alongside a Mercury Prize nomination for their debut and a BRIT Award nomination for Best Group. Furthermore, their definitive noughties indie anthem “Dreaming of You” achieved official platinum certification.

Summer Live Dates and Festival Appearances

To celebrate the new era, The Coral have spent the summer bringing their energetic performances to major festivals and outdoor concert series across the UK. Their remaining live itinerary includes:

• Fri 21 Aug: Trentham, Trentham Live (w/ Madness)
• Fri 28 Aug: Southsea, Victorious Festival 2026
• Sat 29 Aug: Manchester, Wythenshawe Park (w/ Courteeners)
• Sun 30 Aug: Kingham, Big Feastival

Find more from The Coral now:

Tickets for all upcoming shows, as well as orders for 388 on all available formats plus special album merchandise, can be found via links at www.thecoral.co.uk

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