Coal‘s album launch last Friday was a bittersweet affair as the show was to be their last (not counting the second night added on Saturday which was officially the last last). They’ve been long-time favourites of mine and like many I’m very sad to see them go, but the album is stunning and a lovely parting gift.

Here are some shots from the Friday show at Alexander Bar.

Coal vocalist (I really had to resist the temptation to write vo-coal-ist…but I wrote it anyway so guess I didn’t resit…) Cathy and her fiance Chris opened the show with 2 lovely and very minimal numbers as Little Versailles.

Then the rest of the band emerged apparently dealing with the aftershocks of a bout of backstage giggling. The atmosphere all night was really lovely, though again the event was bittersweet the band seemed more relaxed and comfortable than I’ve seen them and their set was really beautiful.

Their cover-choice has always been spot on – from PJ Harvey to Kate Bush and Bat For Lashes to Nick Cave – and their versions lovingly performed, but the stand-out for me was the subtly changed and hauntingly re-invigorated version of Train, which has always been my personal favourite of theirs.

Coal, thank you for the music; you will be missed.

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Photos on facebook over here

Coal on Facebook  |  Buy The Ruse on Bandcamp