All it took was a few innocent songs about romance, sunny days and laziness, to instantly hook listeners and leave them wanting more.
It is safe to bet that not many would have expected newcomers Best Coast to make the album that would epitomize youthful summertime sentiments.
Last year, the Los Angeles-based trio began releasing seven-inch singles and EPs, which garnered them much attention before signing with small label, Mexican Summer.
Their debut album, Crazy for You, is an interesting blend of upbeat indie pop and lo-fidelity with a refreshing take on 1960s surf rock. Best Coast sings lovable songs about being boy-crazy and being out in the sun.
Singer and lyricist Bethany Cosentino’s voice is both dreamy and endearing. It echoes a similarity to other modern lo-fidelity band vocals, like Beach House and Crystal Stilts.
One loses count on how many times Cosentino almost amateurishly rhymes “crazy/lazy,” such as in their title track, “Crazy for You.” In other songs, Cosentino’s silly side is exposed when she sings about her marijuana being taken in “Our Deal,” losing a favorite T-shirt in “Bratty B” and how she yearns to hear her cat talk in “Goodbye.”
Best Coast’s lyrics lack a profound meaning, which in many cases, would appear to be a huge setback for the band. However, in “Crazy for You,” simple lyrics never sounded so charming. The refrain from “Boyfriend,” their first single? “I wish he was my boyfriend” ? is reminiscent to lovelorn rants by 1960s girl groups.
As a whole, the album flows together because Best Coast’s sound is continuous from the opening song to the last. Yet, the tracks do not blend with one another, making every song distinct, fresh and hard not to dance to.
The album‘s bonus track, “When I’m With You,” also repeats “crazy/lazy.” However, the song is a great addition to the album because it delivers some of the sweetest lyrics: “When I’m with you, I have fun,” Cosentino confesses throughout the song.
Crazy for You is an album that stands out, so be prepared to hear a wave of other bands come out with a similar sound. It’s clear that Best Coast has the ability to deliver great summer tunes and will no doubt have their fans eagerly anticipating their next release.
Until then, fans can probably be seen dancing along to the album’s catchy surf pop harmonies across California’s sunny coast in their sunscreen and swimsuits.