WITH six albums and a career of almost ten years, Hoylake heroes, The Coral, have matured far beyond what many of their critics may have expected.

This hometown show, in the grown-up surroundings of the Philharmonic Hall, gave both the band and their fans a chance to revel in not only a catalogue brim full of hits, but also a new album, Butterfly House, which sees the five-piece drift seamlessly into a lush, contemplative haze of West Coast harmonies far removed from the exuberant saltiness of their teenage past.

Much of Butterfly House was aired last night, and it doesn’t disappoint.

From the delicate psyche of Walking In The Winter to the acoustic prettiness of Falling All Around You, vocalist James Skelly’s rich, expressive voice soars and swoons like a more angelic Ian McCulloch, while behind him organist Nick Power and guitarist Lee Southall fill ably the sizeable gap left by the departed Bill Ryder-Jones.

Between tracks from the new LP, the band is happy to supply the favourites, with the swirling toy town atmospherics of Simon Diamond from their 2002 debut and a glorious sing-along version of Pass It On particular treats.

A burst of sitar ushers in latest single 1,000 Years, in keeping with the gig’s undoubted sixties vibe; the silhouettes of the band playing on the Phil’s art deco walls, adding an atmospheric and almost spooky air to proceedings.

A spine-tingling Calendars and Clock brought the crowd to its feet, and they were tipped over the edge as they encored with a vicious version of early single Goodbye and that classic staple of indie discos, Dreaming of You.

The Coral left the stage doing what they do best, locking into the epic groove of North Parade as feedback and slashing guitar ended a wonderful gig from Merseyside’s latest ensemble of musical legends.