Indie/alternative UK band Coasts released their first full-fledged album. The five man band’s self titled album combines some of their original work with newer releases. Overall, the band successfully creates a mix of pop music, while retaining the indie flavor audiences are looking for today.
The album opens with “Oceans,” which is a great choice to opener for their album. The haunting themes and ethereal vibes create a mesmerizing hook for new listeners. It’s neither too strong, nor too weak. The same could be said for “Rush of Blood,” with its feeling of adventure and wild spirit. These two tracks showcase how Coasts can hit both ends of the spectrum in terms of emotion, which is a nice notion to carry into future releases.
The tracks following are a mix of pop and alternative. The band isn’t afraid to try new things, even using steel drums in “Wallow.” Throughout their work, in songs such as “You,” “Stay,” and “Tonight,” are upbeat, smooth rhythms, that oddly manage to be complicated, but not overdone.
“Wolves Ballad,” is slower and more emotional. There’s a lot of percussion, which is arguable one of their defining features. Coasts seem to implement a carefully crafted electronic vibe, which is why “pop” is also used when defining their genre. There’s never too much, or too little synth, especially in “Modern Love.”
Another necessary note is that “Your Love” sounded similar to the group Coldplay. It had hit me by that point in my initial listening session that the group’s entire vibe reminded me of Coldplay. The best part though was while it was similar, Coasts isn’t a carbon copy. Coasts manages to keep their originality in their lyrics and ambience. After taking a listen to Coldplay’s seventh album “A Head Full of Dreams,” fans may find a new, yet familiar home in Coasts.
While some may argue that Coasts aren’t a true indie group since they signed with Capitol Records in 2011, it’s hard to argue that their sound doesn’t hold the same charm of an authentically indie group. They’re more of an indie band with a lowercase “i”, all while staying on top of their game in terms of performance.
Those interested can find Coast’s new album on sale for $8, or $11 for the deluxe edition, which includes six bonus tracks.