Best Coast

I arrive at the venue way too early, but I have to make sure I get a good spot for the defining band of last summer. Even in Edinburgh, Best Coast provide sunshine for any time of the year with their lo-fi California surf rock sound. After their first few songs, someone from the crowd shouts, “I hate your cat” (pictured on the album cover and merch). Frontwoman Bethany Cosentino fires back a quick “fuck you, suck my dick if you don’t like my cat” and drummer Ali Koehler tells them to suck her dick as well.They’re an odd looking trio, but still look extremely cool. With an attractively pretentious attitude, Cosentino adds a rough ‘thanks’ to the end of each song, accompanied by a quick guitar downstroke.

Considering I’m seeing one of my new favorite bands for the first time, in a foreign country, at an intimate showing, I must say I’m disappointed with their live set. It doesn’t seem as though Cosentino values her audience much - her continual ‘thanks’ are starting to sound sarcastic. However, she still holds my attention and isn’t afraid to interact with the crowd, letting us know we seem bored and suggesting we move around a bit more. This incites a slew of crowd surfing, even including two members of the opening band, Spectrals, who make similar lo-fi sounds but with a male lead. If you already enjoy Best Coast, I highly recommend you check out Spectrals who I could see being a possible favourite this summer.

I’m glad to finally hear Best Coast’s hit, “Boyfriend” live; it's by far the easiest song to let loose and sing along to. They play a couple of new songs, which sound as good as their hits, although it was hard to hear the vocals through two electric guitars and a drum kit. One thing’s for certain though, their album ‘Crazy For You’ will be sure not to disappoint, especially in the summertime.