COASTS play a massive show at the Roundhouse in London.

Only a month since the release of their self-titled debut album and Coasts happened to be playing the Roundhouse.

What a way to spend my Friday! This is what happened last week (Feb 26) when the band decided to wake up the entire Camden.

I remember arriving at the venue quite early around the time the doors open and seeing that massive queue! I mean, you always expect it to be long but it was ridiculous. Everyone was thrilled and you could sense the excitement in the air. Plus the beautiful Roundhouse made the whole experience even more memorable.

The lights go dark.

It is lit.

Kicking off with the song Wallow the Bristol five-piece creates a highly captivating atmosphere. The crowd, already warmed up thanks to the supporting bands Secret Company and DEAD!, has no intention of slowing down whatsoever. Jumping around whilst the lead singer Chris Caines burst into Your soul won’t hide your face Let me down for a second fans sing back every word. We’re only on the second song here but you could tell that their follower base is huge! Yep, definitely. Particularly, the next banger Modern Love makes them totally lose it.

The Roundhouse beautiful lighting sets fit their melodic and tropical sound perfectly. The band showcases a strong stage presence with a charismatic frontman leading throughout the entire set. I’m not sure about the rest but I’ve been hypnotized since hearing the first note.

Coasts move to As Long As I Need You and Golden City and at this point there’s no doubt everyone leaves their hearts in London. Especially, with the following track making us feel like we’re holding on to something real. In the latest interview from a few months ago (read here) Caines explained that this song is about the group proving that they’re good enough but also it’s all about their fans. So essentially, it is about You.

Coasts have already managed to establish a strong position and a very typical distinctive sound of theirs. Willford’s up-tempo guitar riffs, Gamage’s steady but strong bass line effortlessly blend into Goulbourn’s catchy keys and Caines’ towering vocals. All that compiled with Street’s building up drums makes a fine arrangement which is easily heard in these next tracks Stay, Let Go and Tonight. And it’s impossible not to dance to the latter ‘Cause tonight we are together.

Lions, Wash Away and Wolves get to be played too whereas the chorus of Rush Of Blood starts to echo across the room. Moreover, we get an acoustic version of See How with a soothing guitar and a soft vocal which are a preface to the upcoming end of the show. Already?!

The band displays all 16 tracks lifted from their record. Remarkable. If you’re paying attention you know there are still two more to come.

Despite the show not being an example of a hard rock & roll you basically get everything. A mosh pit – checked, a stage diving – checked, some rolling over on stage – checked and a crowd going mental – checked. I saw this band playing live for around 500 people a couple of months ago and seeing them now on this stage only left me thinking that Coasts have transformed into something sensational – an outstanding live act.

Finishing off with the track Stone and some inflated balloons filling up the skies of the Roundhouse during Oceans, Coasts deliver a top performance bringing all those summery vibes back to life on this cold winter day.

I suppose I can speak for everyone in the room – not right by the ocean but we all certainly fell in love.

Coasts embark on European tour next week and are off to the USA afterwards so we’ll have to wait sometime till they come back. Meanwhile, have a look at pictures from their Roundhouse gig.

Photo: Kasia Osowiecka