When you think about exporters of pop-punk, Japan is probably not very high on your list. Nagoya-based Coast to Coast are trying to change that perception with their debut EP ‘Lessons Learned’. As newcomers to the scene, the band have tried to differentiate by mixing post-hardcore elements into their pop-punk foundations. Catchy choruses over bouncy power chords and fast-paced drums provide the atmosphere that a pop-punk record demands, before heavy riff patterns and screamed vocals take the band’s sound in new directions, not too dissimilar to the style of A Day to Remember.
If you’re looking for dual singers, gang vocals, uplifting power chords, plucky lead guitar lines or even the odd breakdown to scream along to, then Coast to Coast have got you covered. These multiple elements are delivered well through strong guitar playing, tuneful vocals and drums that guide your mood through various tempo changes and dynamic shifts. All of this is enhanced by the type of impressive production quality that proves you can record an EP off the back of a modest Indiegogo campaign without having to sacrifice sound quality in the process.
Within individual tracks, Coast to Coast manage to take the listener on an interesting journey, with ‘Gravity’ being a prime example thanks to its clear transition from pop-punk openings to post-hardcore breakdowns. However, although each song showcases a good range of ideas and transitions, this same formula is used across multiple tracks, making the songs across the EP sound too similar. The opening chords to ‘Empty’, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Destinations’ sound too alike and although the songs eventually branch off on different tangents, it doesn’t do enough to dampen the feeling of familiarity.
As a band with two dedicated singers, the vocal arrangements could be furthered explored to provide the variation the band needs. Rather than taking it in turns to deliver their sections of songs, vocalists Brent Bailey and Matty Otuska could overlap and feed off of one another, much like other modern pop-punk bands such as Roam and As It Is. These acts have found success through distinct interplay of two vocal parts, either through layered harmonies or interlocking arrangements, and this could be an area for Coast to Coast to capitalise on in the future.
For a debut EP, ‘Lessons Learned’ is a strong start and demonstrates a successful blending of genres, making this a solid platform for the band to build from. By experimenting with different song structures and fully utilising both vocalists, Coast to Coast could add more variation to their music, which will be essential in the future if they want to captivate a listener’s attention across a full-length album.
MARK JOHNSON