Imagine if you could find a band that sounds like one of your favorite bands that is no longer making new music. Coast, from the Island of Benbecula in Scotlands’ Western Isles, is back with a new version of their album 10 , from 2019. Coast sound like the reincarnation of Big Country, one of my favorite Scottish bands from the 1980s, along with Simple Minds. They released 10.2, on June 11th of this year and it is a rockin’ masterpiece.
Coast was founded in 2009 by brothers Paul Eastham, on lead vocals and acoustic guitars; Chris Barnes, on percussion; and lead guitarist, Finlay Wells. On tour they are joined by bassist Ewan MacDonald, Georgie Cullum on keyboards and drummer, Mathias Lassen. Coast has completed three albums, two EPs and many UK, European and Scandinavian tours & festival appearances to their credit.
The new version of the album contains two new songs, “Flesh and Blood”, and “Nothing Left to Burn”.
The festival of this album kicks off with the new track “Flesh and Blood”, and is it a delight. The guitar combo at the beginning makes me wish for a return of Big Country; but put that aside and listen to the power in Eastham’s vocals and lyrics as the drums and percussion helps set that wonderful beat I remember so well from the 1980s. “You may sail above the waves. You may celebrate my pain. But you will never take my flesh and blood”. An anthem to sing in the pubs again. This will definitely be a crowd pleaser at live shows, for sure.
“Who Loves You Now”, has a slower beat and great guitar work, coupled with peaceful piano. When Eastham delivers the title line, and those Scottish guitars of Big Country fame roar, you will be taken away with memories of what was. But this band is its own band. I only mention the Big Country comparison as a salute and compliment to the level Coast has achieved on this album.
“Long Way Home” is a bouncing travel song, probably born of many tour and road trips. But the people of the British Isles are so full of adventure, but they do miss their green home, after too much time away. Another great fireside song, with Eastham singing with vigor, “With one hand on the ocean, and on my heart. Here’s forever hoping I see the light in the dark”. They have a guest vocal from Georgette Cullum, who provides just the perfect amount of warmth to this home longing song.
“Lament for Nick”, is a powerful instrumental song, full of acoustic guitar and keyboards. It opens slow and mourning, but later picks up its cadence, when the electric guitar joins in.
“I Wanna Sing with the Boss”. Yes, that Boss – Asbury Park’s, (Colt’s Neck’s), very own Bruce Springsteen. And this song has all the flavor of the E-Street Band, minus the sax. But you won’t miss it here. The song is powerful enough of a celebration, without it. The song is for Bruce, but we all miss The Big Man, Clarence Clemons, after all. The piano is there and clearly front and center, along with the drums. Eastham includes most of The Boss’s song titles scattered throughout the track, for great effect. The beat and rhythm are all E-Street Band. A great tribute, indeed.
“Oceanos” is a wonderful sea-bound, shanty-like, frolic on the waves. Another perfect pub singing song. Just try to sit still during this one. I triple – dog dare you!
“The Docks of My Hometown”, sounds like a Springsteen-like tribute to Coast’s hometown. It is a salute to the shipping heritage of the area. Perfect rocking electric guitar solos and solid drumming make this experience memorable. Eastham sings, “Some people say nothing good comes out of this town. Some people say, there are no saints here to be found. Oh, your best ships have sailed. If your ship, she’s running aground. If your hard flame is burning inside. Come get down to the docks of my hometown tonight”. Yes, a very Springsteen – like song. The Boss might like this one. I know Big Country would probably love the tip of the hat, on that aggressive Scottish guitar sound. I know I did. Bet the crowds clap loudly, towards the end of the track, when the ladies join in, during live shows.
“Drift Away”, is a despondent song of days gone by. A song of remembrance for better times and friends who have passed.
“The Ghost of Dan the Boy”, is a song that tells a tale of pain and loss. The acoustic guitar accompanying Eastham as he sings is wonderful. The best solo acoustic guitar work on the album. Just stunning. This would be awesome by a fireside. Then, powerful bass, drums and electric guitar join in on the up-tempo beat. I hear a little of Dire Straits’ first album on this track, and that is very good.
“Sepia Eyes”, opens to bright shinning acoustic guitar and Eastham singing, “Can you go back in time. And do it all over. Wish you a brand-new life. I couldn’t be any prouder”. A love song to someone special, with sepia-colored eyes. Google it.
“Nothing Left to Burn”, opens with Eastham quietly singing, along with beautiful piano and acoustic guitar, before, powerful orchestration and strings reaches symphonic proportions. What an opening! One of the best songs on the album.
“Dancing with Satellites”, is an inspirational song that will leave you wanting more and anticipating their next album. A great closer. Enjoy!
I was so happy I found the news of the release of this album. Maybe late in the year. But I found it, nonetheless. I reviewed their original self-titled album, back when they released it; but had lost track of the band until now. With Facebook’s help I will hopefully never lose the connection again. I plan to interview the band, so stay tuned for that. Until then. Get out an get this album wherever you can. It is simply wonderful in every way. Every song will keep your attention and your memory going for days. Big Country may be gone, but Coast is here, and from the sounds of this album, everything is looking up. Take the high road and enjoy Coast’s revisiting of this wonderful chapter of their history.
Track List
- Flesh and Blood – 3:22
- Who Loves You Now – 5:13
- Long Way Home – 4:33
- Lament for Nick – 6:10
- I Wanna Sing with the Boss – 4:16
- Oceanos – 4:29
- The Docks of My Hometown – 4:43
- Drift Away – 4:09
- The Ghost of Dan the Boy – 5:16
- Sepia Eyes – 4:41
- Nothing Left to Burn – 4:16
- Dancing with Satellites – 3:45