Not long after forming, Coast took out top prize in the 2008 Eastern Bay Battle of the Bands judged by Kora, and then the Auckland Rock to the Top competition in 2009. With these early achievements, it’s not surprising that the young band’s potential came to the attention of Loop’s Mikee Tucker (TrinityRoots, The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties), who quickly joined forces with them. Encouraged by their success, and driven forward by their ties to each other as both bros and bandmates, Coast moved from the East Coast to South Auckland and developed their deep and complex sound, captured here on their self-titled debut release.

Like a well-crafted puzzle where each piece snugly fits, Coast intuitively blend a roll call of genres from dub to funk, rock psychedelia to reggae/roots creating a resonance, that is both familiar to the kiwi ear and captivating in its passion-infused delivery. With the band members’ strong bond being the glue that binds them, Coast have solidified their unity with the ultimate gesture the “bro shake”, visible on the album’s cover. Providing a metaphor for their interconnected friendship and mana, it’s not difficult to see how the bro shake also symbolises their intricate soulful sound, and expresses their organic rhythmic style.

First single, ‘Think About You” introduces Coast’s understated mastery. The sincere love song unravels from a restrained acoustic beginning that gives way to a smitten chorus awash with melodic guitar and vocal harmonics before finishing with a blended spirited jazz delay.

The rest of the release follows similar surprising patterns baring the acute musicianship and generosity of heart and soul that Coast present to their listeners. With the ebb and flow of guitars laden with reverb, vocals entrenched with emotion and dynamic beats Coast have that special energy that grabs you by the hand and drags you into their sound like an excited kid running for the waves. Before you know it you have surrendered to their lush dubby groove. Heartfelt, genuine and lively, Coast’s charismatic release is sure to not only get heads bobbing and bodies skanking but will guide listeners to project aroha within our communities and retain a sense of environmental consciousness.

“Most of my writing revolves around people and the different relationships we have with them: love and friendship. Especially love. I find the condition of the world, nature and environment also really inspiring because they are things that are important to people. I write and play from the heart, which is the only way to do anything like this. People can feel it then, and if they can feel it, then it will move them emotionally and physically.” Jade Pritchard, Coast

It seems moving people physically is imperative, especially with Coast’s live performance. With the juggernaut that is Jade’s chugging guitar and vocals, jazz based drummer Ben’s hard hitting rhythms and Abe’s sprawling bass lines, a powerful and mesmerising show is always anticipated. It’s time to welcome Aotearoa’s new favourite band.


WHAT THEY'RE SAYING SO FAR...


"Rightly so…Coast is being touted as “the band to watch” during New Zealand Music Month." Herald On Sunday (May 2010)

"Coast’s music can take off on some unexpected tangents...they dip into pockets of jazz, funk and even psychedelia, while all the time maintaining that deep pulse that would seem to be reggae’s enduring legacy." Nick Bollinger (May 2010)