REVIEW: Best Coast 'The Only Place'

Do I have to say I love BEST COAST? I mean, if you knew anything about me, it’d be that. I don’t think we can keep seeing each other if you don’t want to listen both their debut, Crazy for You and the newly internet-available The Only Place. As one of those avid fans who goes to like gigs and shit, I heard a fair few of these tracks live before this started streaming. And we’ve all downloaded the first track from the album, ‘The Only Place.’ We all have. If you haven’t, do it now. Do it, because I demand that from you if we’re going to develop any kind of intimate relationship. You think I’m too demanding? Fuck off.

For me, the album gets into a really good rhythm by the time of ‘Last Year.’ If you want to be a discontented artist, be Bethany Cosentino and Bob Bruno. The steady yawning pace of the track seems to emulate the boredom and disillusionment of the lyrics; ‘One day we’ll be gone and then I’ll have to write another song.’

The album, produced by Jon Brion tucks lo-fi into bed and cranks the volume up on Cosentino’s strong vocals and moody lyrics. Struggling with fame, she at times comes off as whiny. What is worrisome is that from hearing the first track’s cheerful ode to California- seemingly an example of the band’s maturation- the paired-back language from their first album persists, seemingly juvenile moans about responsibility. This is a band who has polished their sound, and can still write a catchy catchy tune, except they seem to have regressed into sad, pressured teenagers. But that being said, the songs taps into emotions that were never considered in their debut, and they do it with style and enthusiasm. I can see the faults and I’m enjoying this regardless.

In the case of ‘Let’s Go Home’ the album gets back to upbeat. The album rises and falls, rises and falls, like Californian ocean waves. You’re dumped by a huge wave and then you’re back floating along and having a whale of a time. And I think this combination and some more nuanced emotions are something for which Best Coast should be congratulated.

The album ends on a romantic note with ‘Up All Night.’ She croons. She is lonely and cold and dumped but she still wants to see him forever and ever. This song tags back in where Crazy for You left off- it’s a sweet love song, a projection of desolation, except this time without the charming surf rock tunes carrying the piece away from self-pity. This is how to end the album, reconciling the harnessed darkness of The Only Place with their frolicking debut.

Pick up the album in physical form (I will! On vinyl! Maybe we can have a chance romantic meeting in Red Eye Records and bond over our shared affection for Best Coast!) May 18.

Enjoy the exclusive full album stream over at NPR.

Words by Hannah Story.

(Ed. note: Hannah Story is accounted for and should stop flirting with the people who read PURPLE SNEAKERS.)