Coasts Bring The Beach to NY’s Gramercy Theatre

When I first discovered Coasts back in the spring of 2013, I was in love with the vision that these five gentlemen from Bristol, UK brought to life with their beachy soundscapes and vibrant lyrics. A lot can change in three years but my love for this band remains the same, if not stronger, than it was in 2013. I grew attached to songs like “Stone,” “Wallow,” “A Rush Of Blood” and the massive “Oceans” as they expressed sentiments I kept hidden within me about a certain someone I once loved. Though I’m seeing things from a different perspective, these songs have taken on a whole new meaning and experiencing them live was an experience in itself.

As the lights went down for opening song, “Wallow,” you could feel the excitement in the air at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre. I’m pretty sure I still have goosebumps from the opening chords. As singer Chris Caines approached the stage, it was evident that this was going to be an incredible night. As the band segued into album favorites like “Your Soul,” “You,” “Modern Love” and “Wolves,” the crowd kept the momentum alive, displaying the true meaning of fandom at its best as every word was sung back with palpable energy.

“Lions” was a special one, and even better live than I imagined, especially during the closing line of, “And I will bathe in the mess / Discover my heart from the depth of my chest” – a sentiment I found so beautiful and freeing, especially during this moment in my life when all I want to do is run from every harrowing thought or situation.

I’ve dreamed of hearing “Stone” live since 2013 and it was everything I dreamed it would be and more – a moment I will be talking about for years to come. As the opening chords which filled my bedroom for years came to life, I had one of those surreal feelings come over me and the notion lingered for closing track – and the band’s buzziest single – “Oceans.” If the crowd wasn’t insane before, they went nuts for the closer – and for good reason.

Coasts are one of those bands you just have to see live to fully capture their essence. They’re one of those bands that remind you of why you love live music in the first place. They get to the root of the matter while turning all of it into little moments of sound you can’t turn off – not that you’d want to. The UK has done it again and now it’s time for the US to catch up.

Album available now here.

Go here to catch Coasts on tour!