Coastal Break - Bedouin

Coastal Break

Bedouin
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

The four piece band Coastal Breaks consisting of Stefan Raupach (guitars) Jordan Williams-Yuen (guitars) Torsten Raupach (bass) and Darren Tong (drums) released Black Pine back in 2014 which we happened to review. It showcases an impressive instrumental band who knew how to cross breed genres. The band's latest release Bedouin is a step up in production and the music itself.

The first thing you might notice is the low end is a lot more defined and that there is more separation between the instruments. Sometimes lo-fi works but when you play the type of music that Coastal Breaks does it's important to hear everything.

First up is “Cerulean”. At first when just the guitar is playing I thought I was in for a sadder, melancholy song but once the the drums and bass enter it changes up the mood as if the music was injected with serotonin. The wave of sounds is relaxing and tranquil. It made me mellow out as I was listening to it. As it progresses the mood does become more festive and actually reminded me of something you might hear from a jam band.

“Midnight” is simply a fun song that doesn’t make you think too hard. The melodies and groove is easy to appreciate as the band rides a wave that makes you feel as if you are in the crowd. The lead guitar is at the reigns for most of the song. It’s nothing too complicated but the the player was more concerned with the emotional weight than the technical aspects.

“The Traveler” gets going at a fast BPM and feels like it's on the move. It give you a little pep in your step and also manages to capture a reggae vibe before transitioning into a prog rock style ending.

They close with “Coming Home” which has a tinge of post-rock but sounded a bit too upbeat for that genre. The music reminded me of something I might hear from Out Hud.

In one word I would call Bedouin slick. There is a sheen and gloss to it that feels refined and cool. It's hard to pinpoint but think you will know what I’m talking about if you take a listen.

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