Best Coast: A Musical Biography of a West Coast Sound

California Dreamin’ represents a powerful cultural and musical iconography the world over. The sound of the West Coast, echoed by a mix of melodies and lyrics that go beyond surf, beach, sunsets, and convertible cars, has inspired generations of music lovers and bands in different genres. One of the bands that has embraced this cultural phenomena, creating a unique sound, and placing themselves as one of the best of the West Coast sound is Best Coast. In this musical biography, we’ll explore the history behind the band, their most famous albums, and their most significant songs. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on some sunblock, and let’s ride our surfboards into the waves of Best Coast.

Bethany Cosentino formed Best Coast out of the golden sands of Los Angeles in 2009 with Bobb Bruno. The duo landed a record deal and released Crazy for You in 2010. The biggest hit of this debut album was ‘Summer Mood,’ inspired by the surf, sun, and the endless summers of California. Crazy for You has been hailed as a breakthrough album that brought surf rock back into the mainstream.

After the critical acclaim of Crazy for You comes the album The Only Place, produced by Jon Brion. The Only Place is an ode to the Best Coast's love for their state of California. It’s a feel-good album with tracks such as the title song ‘The Only Place’ and ‘Why I Cry.’ A pleasing part of this album was the sharp production, some song littered with layers of guitars and synths make it memorable.

The third album California Nights was released in 2015 has a lot of songs that deal with darker themes such as self-doubt and anxiety. ‘Heaven Sent’ is a standout track, with its driving beat, distorted guitars, and bruised-heart lyrics. The works of both the Beatles and Dylan are a significant influence on Cosentino's songwriting.

Live music is where Best Coast shines — they’re a tight act, with Bruno’s guitar playing mixing smoothly with Bethany Cosentino’s voice. They took a break in 2016 before returning in 2019 with their fourth album, Always Tomorrow. Holding an amazing live show, Best Coast's 5 album feature poppy, fuzzed-out rock embellished with the signature harmonic vocals.

Best Coast is a joyful band that inspires their musical style from the sun-soaked beaches of California. They have used that inspiration to create a sound that is unique, with an incredible ability to convey that California sound to the world. Their songs are catchy, poppy, and easy to fall in love with, but they are more than just cheerful anthems. Whether dealing with heartbreak, darkness, or self-doubt, Best Coast's songs are infused with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that makes them relatable and memorable. Finally, we can safely say that Best Coast's music is an influential part of the West Coast sound, and they’re a must-listen band for all music lovers out there.