6 Jun 2023
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Coast Arcade - Single Review: Tattoo

16 Jun 2022 // A review by Kev Rowland

I don’t know how old these guys are, but given they formed in High School towards the beginning of last year I am guessing not that old, especially as they have been playing mostly all-ages gigs, although they did also open for The Beths in Auckland earlier this year and would have also opened for Clap Clap Riot if the tour hadn’t been cancelled due to Covid. Bella Bavin is the lead singer and lead guitarist, and here she sings about wanting to tattoo a girl on her neck. With drummer Thom Boynton, and brothers Chris and Nate Tims on rhythm guitar and bass respectively, Coast Arcade have created a perfect Summer single which is jangly and has one of those hooks which sticks in the head and refuses to go away.

When they repeat the chorus a few times Bella puts just a little growl into her vocals and it totally changes the perspective, and while it starts and ends gently enough with just Bella and her guitar, throughout the rest there is a driving pulse from the drums, apart from when they throw in a neat acapella break. There is a huge amount of confidence here, and one can see why they have been gaining so much attention as while at its heart this is commercial indie alternative rock, it is steeped in Kiwi music from the 90’s and is just so much damn fun. Coast Arcade are a name to keep an eye on, as if the debut single is like this, what is next?

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Coast Arcade

Indie Rock Pop up-and-comers Coast Arcade have made quite an impact in their breakout year; opening for Aussie legends Bootleg Rascals and The Grogans as well as Kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea. 2022 saw them secure a spot on the Spring City festival line-up alongside huge international acts Groove Armada, Zane Lowe, and Ladyhawke as well as the iconic Rhythm and Vines festival line-up. They also released their infectious debut single, Tattoo, which reached no.11 on the Official Hot NZ Singles chart and was playlisted on MTV Upload.

Formed in high school in early 2021, Coast Arcade are fast becoming regulars in New Zealand's music scene. The band plays to a strong following at many of Tamaki Makaurau's most iconic live music venues.

Coast Arcade describe their sound as Indie Pop Rock with twists of Surf and Punk. This combination of genres crafts their energetic and fun summer sound. Bella Bavin (Rafflyn) fronts the band with strong kiwi vocals and cheeky lead guitar. Brothers Chris and Nate Tims follow with tasty riffs and an energetic dynamic on Rhythm Guitar and Bass, respectively. Thom Boynton pulls it together with his driving drums and punk-infused backing vocals.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Coast Arcade

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