Unless you've been living under a giant neek infested rock this summer, then you will be fully aware that this is the UK's summer of chill. America had their turn last year and now its ours. The good news is last year they weren't treated to the lo fi girl fronted band of the solstice: Best Coast. Bethany Costenino's awesome surfy chill sungaze 60s throwback beach pop has brightened even the grey gloom that surrounds Birmingham. There should be a rule on Low -Fi - only do it if you have the tunes to pull it off. Bethany's boyfriend, who is the lead singer of Wavves, has attempted to make a fuzzy surf pop in a similar vein and failed like the douche he is. This is because the music is boring and generic. If it weren't for the Lo Fi production, the music wouldn't be lapped up by the hipsters. Best Coast, on the other hand, have given Wavves an indication of how to do it properly. Anyway, enough deviating, lets get to brass tacks. For those who don't know anything about Best Coast, here's some cheeky facts that will bring you up to speed.
1. Lead singer Bethany is a MASSIVE cat lover. Her own mog, named 'Snacks', features on the front cover of the album and even has his own twitter account so she can talk to him whilst they're on tour. Look out for him, he's rumoured to be starring in an up-to-date remake of Homeward Bound.
2. She loves to throw down the chill with a big bag o' weed. You may be like so what bro, So do I. Yes but can you write super awesome songs about tokin' up? If so, then kudos.
3. Her bassist and all round multi instrumentalist, Bob Bruno, was Beth's babysitter as a kid. That's kinda weird. Like when she was 8 was he like "yo Beth do you think Dinosaur Jr's 'Yr living all over me' is one of the best guitar albums out there at the moment? Oh you do? Sweet lets make a band when yr like 22".
4. Beth is a massive fan of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld. This is my favourite fact because A) Seinfeld is awesome and B) She has a Seinfield tat. Thats a committed bro.
Anyways, it is safe to claim that 'Crazy For You" is a delight. Of course, if you're looking for the most creative album this year then this really isn't for you but if you want some warm melodies and fuzzy Lo Fi licks to chill down to on a warm summers eve whilst hitting the bong then this is the perfect accompaniment. If you want to look further, the album is about longing for a lover. The opening track, "Boyfriend" is Bethany telling her love interest how much she wants him. As the album progresses we see her discuss how much her boyf is being a jerkhole. "Our Deal" demonstrates this as she complains, "you take all my money, you take all my weed". Her BF is not the only object of love however, as "Summer Mood" has Beth crooning in rhythmic pulses "there's something about the summer."
A fair assessment of the album is that it is carried by Costeninos' musicianship and vocal arrangement. Obviously I'm sure the rest of the band keep a tight ship when their playing live but ultimately, this is her album. If you want some honesty in your surfgaze pop this summer, then pick this up, put it on and toke some down.
A bit like our friend Snacks here:
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