I don’t know how old these guys are, but given they formed in High School towards the beginning of last year I am guessing not that old, especially as they have been playing mostly all-ages gigs, although they did also open for The Beths in Auckland earlier this year and would have also opened for Clap Clap Riot if the tour hadn’t been cancelled due to Covid. Bella Bavin is the lead singer and lead guitarist, and here she sings about wanting to tattoo a girl on her neck. With drummer Thom Boynton, and brothers Chris and Nate Tims on rhythm guitar and bass respectively, Coast Arcade have created a perfect Summer single which is jangly and has one of those hooks which sticks in the head and refuses to go away.
When they repeat the chorus a few times Bella puts just a little growl into her vocals and it totally changes the perspective, and while it starts and ends gently enough with just Bella and her guitar, throughout the rest there is a driving pulse from the drums, apart from when they throw in a neat acapella break. There is a huge amount of confidence here, and one can see why they have been gaining so much attention as while at its heart this is commercial indie alternative rock, it is steeped in Kiwi music from the 90’s and is just so much damn fun. Coast Arcade are a name to keep an eye on, as if the debut single is like this, what is next?
Known for their high-energy performances, Coast Arcade injects a contagious energy into every show they play. Their music is equally as captivating as their live performances, with addictive melodies, driving rhythms, and catchy lyrics, Coast Arcade create an irresistible sound that resonates with audiences long after the show ends. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, Coast Arcade is undoubtedly a band on the rise.
Since their formation in 2021, Coast Arcade have been steadily making waves in the Aotearoa scene. They’ve played with Aussie legends Bootleg Rascal, Teenage Dads, The Grogans and completed a New Zealand tour with The Terry’s and they’ve played with Kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea. They’ve also hit the festival scene hard, playing at Spring City Festival (alongside Groove Armada, Zane Lowe and Ladyhawke), White Out Festival (alongside Homebrew, Shapeshifter and Odd Mob) and New Zealand biggest festival, Rhythm and Vines. Their debut EP, Next To Me, was released in May, drawing attention from both local and international audiences. The EP showcases their versatile songwriting abilities with singles: fast-paced Highest Heights (#2 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart), Surf Club (#20 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart), and infectious debut Tattoo (#11 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart).
Coast Arcade remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and embracing authenticity. With their infectious energy, powerful melodies, and insightful lyricism, this captivating band is poised to leave a mark on the music scene both in New Zealand and beyond.