“Let's Go!” I say out loud while I listen to the first verse on Coast Arcade's new EP Next To Me. Coast Arcade has the talent of Bella Bavin who is on vocals and two lead guitarists who are also brothers, Chris Tims who is on rhythm guitar and Nate Tims on bass, and on drums and backing vocals is Thom Boynton. Coast Arcade is an Auckland-based band and they have some commendable achievements to show for themselves, including being a part of the line-up for Rhythm and Vines and Spring City festival. They have a zestful sound that is predominantly Indie Pop but there's a hint of other genres. I can see myself listening to their music on a summer drive by a coastal sea and having a collection of special moments over the summer with a special someone.

This EP utilises its sound to build energy. Bella says “I think this EP is an insight into where we’re at currently - a band of four friends who are 17-19 years old - and will be cool to look back on,” Bella goes on to explain that their songs reflect on the struggles of friendships, love, a reflection on yourself and trying to find your way as a young person in the world today.

We begin with the song Next To Me which punches immediately into a powerful drum rhythm and we get the first glimpse of their earnest lyrics. The fast-paced chorus is so addictive it does make you want to dance.

Next is Highest Heights and they have Bella’s powerful vocals again but for this song, they have added background vocals of Thom Boynton and possibly the other band members. It sounds like the background vocals are chanting enthusiastically which is a style used in many good pop songs we know and love.

I found the song Salty Blonde to be their strongest song lyrically. It starts tender with just Bella's vocals and a gentle guitar but then after the first verse, the additional guitar and drums chime in to build to a rock rhythm.

Surf Club is a song that sounds like reminiscing the familiarity of a person and place including the feelings associated with either of those things.

The lyrics in Just Peachy expresses what it means to say you're fine when you actually hold resentment and are going through pain. I like the pauses between some of the words in the chorus as it adds some power and uniqueness to their sound.

Coast Arcade does sound like they repeat the same sound for most of the songs on this EP. I believe it would benefit them to have more variety in terms of the intended effect their songs have on us as listeners. However, they show clear skill and ability to create an emotional mood-setting song. Coast Arcade have established a strong fanbase and has a unique distinctive sound to their name which shows what they have to offer. I have added their songs to my personal playlist and we all should look forward to seeing what they will produce in the future.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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