When: 29th November 2010
Reviewed by: Miz DeShannon
The Californian trio (was duo, now with drummer Ali Koehler ex-Vivian Girls) only landed in the UK yesterday afternoon, and headed out of the freezing winter chill straight into the safety of The Ruby Lounge. The venue was sold out, and with support band The Spectrals pulling off an absolutely storming gig as well, everyone was happy.
Apart from Best Coast themselves it seemed. Decidedly jet-lagged and undoubtedly tired after numerous dates in the US, they just about managed an hour long set, which just didn’t seem as vibrant as expected after listening to the recordings you’d find on latest release Crazy For You.
With low-fi songs mainly about boys and break-ups, flitting between cheerful and slightly morose, they’re like the retro sounding version of Kate Nash with some psych and surf-rock influences thrown in, and a sprinkling of retro Phil Spectre style vocals.
Starting with 'Bratty B' from the album, and some mumbled half-hearted jokes for the crowd, they went onto the more upbeat 'Crazy' and 'When Sun Was Night', closely followed by the "one people know" - 'Boyfriend' (named as Pitchfork’s ‘best new track’).
There was a distinct lull in their usual up-tempo melodies and bouncy pop throughout 'Honey' and the extra-fuzzy 'Goodbye', but singer Bethany Cosentino (ex-Pocahaunted) and Bobb Bruno pulled it round with some crowd encouragement for the jump around ending of 'I Want To'. Nobody seemed too disappointed, with plenty of cheering, whooping and photo taking. Well, the album has been amazingly received on these shores (excuse the pun) and was combined with songs from previously released EPs, similar harmonious tunes and reverbed vocals.
Ending with more popular album tracks 'When I’m With You' and 'Each And Every Day' as well as an encore, including their cover of the Lesley Gore classic 'That’s The Way Boys Are', it turned out to be a good show, and we can forgive them for being tired.
Note to Agent though – maybe let the band have a day off after days of touring and a long flight!
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