INDIE synth-rockers Coasts have released their self-titled full-length debut, after a string of singles and EPs over the last few years.
The album opens with the introductory ‘Oceans’, which sets the scene with its declaration of ‘we fell in love…’, love being a prevalent theme in the album. The album starts proper with the mid-tempo ‘Wolves’, a solid example of the type of triumphant, electronic-tinged stadium rock Coasts offer on their self-titled opus.
The following two tracks, ‘You’ and ‘Modern Love’ up the adrenaline, while tracks like ‘Lions’ take a step back and slow down the pace, all while retaining the same sugary, hook-laden style presented across the album. Coasts, being seen as an indie pop group, are unabashed in their pop sensibilities, allowing each track on Coasts to soar to dizzying heights with gigantic, ear worm choruses.
Frontman Chris Caines voice at times feels like it doesn’t offer the type of strength demanded by songs like the ones on this album, and often feels faceless. Despite this, it seems oddly fitted to Coasts’ music, fitting in with the rest of the band as one part of a bigger unit.
The real fundamental element of the music is David Gouldbourne’s keyboards and synths, which are at the forefront for the larger part of the music on Coasts.
The familiarity of Coasts’ musical style and approach to song writing does almost become relentless as Coasts goes on, perhaps best personified by penultimate track ‘Wash Away’ which starts off promisingly with interesting post-rock influenced instrumentation, but is let down by a weak hook – hooks being Coasts’ main strong point.
Thankfully, for the following final track, Coasts return to the upbeat, sweet-sounding melodies and hooks found elsewhere in Coasts with ‘Tonight‘, which manages to encompass all the album’s best qualities while bringing it to satisfying finish.
Besides the previously straight-ahead numbers like ‘You’, a highlight of Coasts is ‘Your Soul’, the closest the album comes to experimentation within the indie pop blueprint.
Its bass-heavy, almost funk arrangement makes for an interesting change to largely similar pop-rock anthems.
Coasts is a great collection of electronic rock with very prominent pop sensibilities, and shows promise for Coasts’ future.
