UK fivepiece, Coasts, first captured my attention in the spring of 2013 with their hit, “Oceans.” From then on, it’s been a nonstop love affair with the band’s upbeat, beachy indie-rock. It’s pretty evident that their 2016 self-titled debut album should have been released much sooner than it was so it’s no surprise that their next effort, This Life, Vol. 1, was eager to get out.
In a world where chaos and hate reign, This Life is the safe haven we’ve been craving that captures the epitome of the struggles and highs of this thing we call life. I don’t know how they do it, but Coasts have the ability to make you feel as if their music is a warm cocoon to hide out in.
Starting off with “Take Me Back Home,” we’re immersed in a situation where everything is hazy and messy – when all you want is to be taken care of and held in the warm embrace of someone you love. “Come On Over,” “Let Me Love You” and “White Noise” later continue this notion unapologetically, singling out that one person that shines brighter than the rest.
Lead single and buzz track, “Heart Starts Beating,” builds off of the band’s already massive, anthemic sound, making this the album’s biggest statement as singer Chris Caines sings of that joyous feeling of when you’re first falling in love. “Paradise” is the next stage in the relationship – a montage of every blissful moment wrapped into one as the rest of the world floats away, just two souls remaining.
A hurricane starts brewing in “Make It Out Alive” while “Chase The Night” shares the sentiment a lot of us have been carrying around lately in this harsh political and social climate. “Tomorrow” is a sweet reminder that you’re not the only one going through a rough patch, teaching us to hold on to another day reminiscent of Coldplay’s “Clocks” but with more of a rock edge.
Closing track, “Born To Die,” isn’t a Lana Del Rey cover but I’m sure she’d back this one. Delving into the struggles of mental health on the second half of the record, this one hits home the most as it demonstrates what it feels like to hit rock bottom. Hopefully, the light at the end of the tunnel arrives in volume two very soon.
The Coasts Cocoon is real and it can be yours with the purchase of This Life, Vol. 1 here!
