The Coast - 'Expatriate' (Aporia Records) Released 02/02/09

Canadian music seems to have finally dragged itself out from the insipid musical quagmire created by the likes of Adams and Dion. In recent year’s bands such as The Arcade Fire, The Born Ruffians and Caribou have proved that there is more to the country’s musical output then the trite power ballad. With a burgeoning indie scene, the precedent has now been set for The Coast to carry on the psychedelic torch with their debut Expatriate. The album is bursting with a desire to break out from the trappings of life in small town, but also speaks of a lament for the consequent distancing from your roots. With such a melancholic tone to the lyrics, the album could easily be conceived as being depressing, but thankfully the music remains incredibly uplifting and optimistic.      

The cathedral style organ on opener ‘Tightrope’ instantly conjures up memories of the Arcade Fire’s glorious debut, the ethereal build of the song into a unifying anthem would have them wishing they stuck to there guns on Neon Bible.  However, it’s poppier and more direct tone makes the song more accessible and instantly engaging, in comparison to there Canadian counterparts. The mood is instantly brought down for ‘Nueva York’, a morose tale of dangerously addictive love, combined with a driving beat and screeching strings the contrast is compelling. Throughout, the album is awash with swirling guitars, which at times ascend dizzying heights and then instantly crash, giving the album a slightly chaotic edge. Standout tracks, ‘No Secret why’ and ‘Killing Off Our Friends’ draws the music and lyrics together to condense their expansive sound into superbly crafted shimmering pop songs, which move and invigorate the listener.

The low key earnestness of ‘Songs For Gyps Rose Lee’ and ‘Play Me The Apostle’ provide the album with hidden depths. The guitars are stripped back, and the tempo brought down to allow Ian Fosbery’s poignant lyrics and touching voice to come to the forefront of the music. ‘Floodlights’ magnificently showcases their mastery of layered guitars and vocals, think New Order playing Arcade Fire covers, it builds and builds, with an energy that enthrals and enthuses. This captivating debut defiantly earns the right to sit along side Canada’s impressive roster of indie music.