Best Coast: The Sunny Sound of California Indie Rock

Best Coast is an American indie rock duo known for their sun-drenched, lo-fi sound and lyrical themes of California life, love, and anxiety. Formed in Los Angeles in 2009, the band achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which charted in the top 40 of the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet modern approach to pop-infused rock.

Early career

Best Coast was formed by vocalist and guitarist Bethany Cosentino, who was later joined by multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno. Cosentino, after a brief stint in a New York City art school, returned to Los Angeles and began writing simple, catchy songs inspired by 1960s girl groups and surf rock. The duo's early self-released singles, like Sun Was High (So Was I), quickly garnered attention on music blogs, leading to a deal with the influential independent label Mexican Summer in 2010.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the release of their debut album, Crazy for You, on Mexican Summer. The album was a surprise commercial hit, debuting at number 36 on the Billboard 200 and becoming a defining record of the lo-fi indie pop movement. Its success was fueled by extensive online buzz and a heavy touring schedule, cementing Best Coast's place in the modern indie rock landscape.

Key tracks

Boyfriend — This breakout single from Crazy for You became an indie anthem with its relatable lyrics about romantic frustration and its effortlessly catchy melody.

When I'm With You — The album's opener perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of fuzzy guitars, hazy production, and wistful, sun-soaked sentiment.

The Only Place — The title track from their 2012 sophomore album is a lush, state-pride anthem produced by Jon Brion, marking a shift toward a cleaner, more polished studio sound.

California Nights — This 2015 single, from the album of the same name, showcased a darker, more expansive rock direction with driving guitars and introspective lyrics.

For their third album, California Nights released on Harvest Records in 2015, Best Coast embraced a fuller, more psychedelic-tinged rock sound. The band has collaborated with artists like Kid Cudi and produced music for television, while Cosentino has been vocal about mental health and animal rights. Their consistent output, including 2020's Always Tomorrow, maintains their core aesthetic while allowing for subtle evolution within the indie rock and pop realms.

Fans of Best Coast's melodic, coastal-inspired indie rock often enjoy the sounds of Wavves, who shares a similar lo-fi, surf-punk energy. Alvvays offers a comparable blend of fuzzy guitars and sweet, melancholic pop songwriting. The jangly, nostalgic feel of The Drums also resonates with Best Coast's early work, while Beach House explores a more dream-pop oriented but equally atmospheric side of indie music.

The music of Best Coast is a staple on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio streams that champion guitar-driven pop. Their catalog, from early lo-fi singles to later polished albums, provides a perfect fit for daytime rotation and specialty shows focusing on modern indie rock.

Listeners can discover the sun-bleached discography of Best Coast through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their defining hits and deep cuts across a variety of stations dedicated to the vibrant sounds of indie rock and pop.