The Coral Unveil “Cursed Carol” Dark Holiday Single ‘She Died On Christmas Day’

An eerie festive tune with haunting vibes, The Coral’s new Christmas single casts a shadow over the holiday spirit.

A Dark Twist on Christmas from The Coral

When December rolls around, most bands tuck into cozy, cheerful holiday tunes. But The Coral? They’ve flipped the script with a “cursed carol” that’s anything but jolly. Their new single, ‘She Died On Christmas Day’, plunges us into a dark, ghostly Christmas tale that’s as haunting as it is captivating.

This Merseyside band, famous for their dreamy, psychedelic rock sound, have ventured into spooky holiday territory for the first time ever. The track’s eerie organ lines and chugging guitar chords whisk you back to Halloween’s shadowy corners, even as the Christmas bells ring faintly in the background. It’s a festive song that feels like a story told around a flickering fire, full of mystery and melancholy.

The Coral’s atmospheric sound is perfectly captured in this moody shot.

Listen to ‘She Died On Christmas Day’ – The Coral’s New Holiday Offering

Feeling brave? Press play and let yourself get drawn into this dark festive vibe:

A Collectible Christmas Single with a Unique Family Touch

The song comes out as a limited edition 7” single, paired with a very special B-side. The flip side features ‘Christmas On Coral Island’, a spoken-word track that’s all about family and memory. The voice? None other than The Coral’s frontman James Skelly’s late grandfather Ian, who takes on the enigmatic credit of The Great Muriarty. The nostalgia this brings adds a deeply personal layer to the release, making it a true collector’s item for fans.

The haunting single cover art sets the tone for this unforgettable holiday release.

You can grab the 7” on Run On Records directly from The Coral’s official site. For fans looking to celebrate visually as well as sonically, check out The Coral's stunning album art.

Diving into Their Roots: The Coral’s Love for Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll

Keyboardist Nick Power shared insights about the band’s musical inspirations, revealing how much they love the sounds of fifties and early sixties British rock n’ roll. This era, with its nostalgic vibes of places like New Brighton—complete with its faded piers and eerie seaside thrills—shapes much of their sound and spirit.

“We love fifties and early sixties rock n’ roll, especially the British stuff. To us, it’s the sound of where we grew up: New Brighton and the fair, the lost piers, the thrill and danger of towns at the end of existence. If there’s an opening where we get to explore that side of us, we’re always up for it.” – Nick Power

This quote perfectly captures the wistful, sometimes haunting atmosphere The Coral evoke in their music, especially on this new Christmas single.

Continuing a Legacy: The Coral’s Recent Musical Journey

The Coral’s ‘She Died On Christmas Day’ marks the band’s first new music since their 11th studio album, Sea Of Mirrors, dropped in 2023. That album was notable for its star-studded collaborations, including actor Cillian Murphy and John Simm, plus a guest spot from former member Bill Ryder-Jones.

If you’re a true Coral fan, you might remember something special they released in September: an 8-bit retro video game version of their debut album titled The Coral Caves Of Illusion – Debut Album Celebration. It was a nostalgic and playful tribute to their early days, wrapped in charming pixel art and chiptune sounds.

Alongside their musical ventures, The Coral have also been involved in documenting their history. The documentary Dreaming Of You, directed by James Slater, explores the band’s formation and their early recording experiences. It premiered at Sheffield Doc Fest earlier this year, delighting fans old and new with stories behind the scenes.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Live Shows and Festivals

If live music is your thing, The Coral have more in store. They’re slated to perform next August at a massive outdoor show in Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park. The event, headlined by Courteeners, also features The Vaccines, Getdown Services, and Girl In The Year Above.

It’s shaping up to be a summer festival with plenty of indie and alternative flavor. For those who love experiencing The Coral’s rich sound live—especially after the haunting vibes of their new single—this is an unmissable date.

Wrapping Up a Unique Holiday Offering

The Coral’s ‘She Died On Christmas Day’ doesn’t just add a new tune to your holiday playlist; it invites you to experience Christmas in a new light—darker, spookier, and far more mysterious. It’s a reminder that festive music doesn’t have to be saccharine; it can also be hauntingly beautiful, layered with nostalgia and stories from the past.

So whether you’re a fan of classic rock ‘n’ roll or craving a Christmas song with a bit of bite, this “cursed carol” is bound to stay with you long after the final note fades.

FAQ

• What makes ‘She Died On Christmas Day’ different from typical Christmas songs?
  It blends eerie organ sounds and haunting guitar riffs, channeling a spooky, almost Halloween-like atmosphere rather than traditional festive cheer.
• Who is featured on the B-side track ‘Christmas On Coral Island’?
  The spoken-word piece features James Skelly’s late grandfather, Ian, credited as The Great Muriarty, adding a personal and nostalgic touch.
• Where can I buy the limited edition 7” single?
  It’s available via Run On Records and can be purchased through The Coral’s official website.
• Has The Coral released other unique projects recently?
  Yes, they released an 8-bit retro video game version of their debut album and a documentary called Dreaming Of You detailing their early days.
• Will The Coral be performing live soon?
  Absolutely! They are set to perform at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park next August, alongside bands like Courteeners and The Vaccines.

For fans wanting to bring a piece of this haunting holiday vibe into their homes, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s the perfect way to celebrate The Coral’s unique blend of nostalgia and mystery.

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