Following on from the release of their single 'Baited' earlier this year, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland indie group Coast Arcade are back with a new dose of sounds in 'City Limits'. Further establishing themselves as a band to watch, the latest from the Aotearoa four-piece is an empowering ode to dreams of breaking free in hopes of exploring new opportunities and horizons.
Created at Big Fan Studios, 'City Limits' saw Coast Arcade reunited with Clint Murphy (North Atlas, Enter Shikari) and Ryan Smith (L.S. Dunes, Smashing Pumpkins) on mixing and mastering respectively. The sound is inline with what made songs like 'Baited', as well as their 2023 EP Next To Me so engaging: a masterful hold on energy and pacing, Coast Arcade's musical vision is built on a solid band chemistry and delivery of euphoric rhythms and melodies.
"'City Limits' is an exciting step for us as a band. It really solidifies the direction we want to take with our sound, and we're stoked to see how our existing fanbase reacts to it, as well as the new listeners it draws in." COAST ARCADE
Accompanying the release of 'City Limits', Coast Arcade have also revealed the single's official music video – created in their hometown, directed by David Argue.
The song itself, described as being "for anyone who has felt trapped in their surroundings, whether it's in their hometown or life in general", rides the energy of simply wanting more for oneself. That yearning for something new and unfamiliar, which can ultimately lead to validation. 'City Limits' is a perfect addition to the Coast Arcade catalogue, as they themselves look to reach new heights as a group.
"We feel like this is our best music video yet, it really captures how we feel when we hear the song and it also shows both the serious and fun side of the band." COAST ARCADE
The trajectory of Coast Arcade since their breakthrough in 2021 has been an impressive one. Developing a killer reputation as a live band supporting artists including Lime Cordiale, Grandson, Bootleg Rascal, The Grogans, The Terrys, Teenage Dads and The Beths, Coast Arcade have gotten their chemistry and a dynamism as live band on lock.
Fronted by Bella Bavin (vocals, guitar), Thom Boynton (drums), Leo Spykerman (bass) and Arlo Birrs (guitar), Coast Arcade have emerged as one of Aotearoa's most exciting groups on the indie-rock scene.
Their debut EP, 2023's Next To Me, introduced listeners to the breadth of Coast Arcade's writing and instrumentation; exciting music building on vibrant melodies and arrangement. Featuring singles 'Surf Club' and 'Highest Heights' – the latter of which has accrued over 200,000 streams alone – the EP was the perfect statement of intent and a display of the potential this young group had tapped into.
With the release of 'Baited', Coast Arcade picked up where they left off, its success earning playlist support from Spotify (Fresh Finds) and international radio play in the USA, Australia and Europe. Reaching #3 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart.
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