If you’re expecting more of the same from Best Coast, then you’re not in for a surprise because it’s exactly that. More of the same. As a follow-up EP to This Is The Only Place it is fantastic and is a great expression of that signature sound we have come to know and love. As something new and exciting that demonstrates growth and evolution you’re going to be a bit let down.
This EP feels more like the tracks that got left off of This Is The Only Place and less like something new, which is totally fine because it’s an EP and This Is The Only Place was great. The themes of self discovery and investigation still run deep through this album as Bethany Cosentino seems to still be coming to grips with being a modern adult. Which, even being a 32 year old man, I can still relate to a bit.
Without a doubt the best track is the EP’s namesake, “Fade Away”, because it is the one song that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest / that “Best Coast forumla”. It’s a bit darker, a bit heavier, and a bit more intense than anything else on this or their previous albums. It’s got something deep and soulful about it that doesn’t make you think that everything will turn out alright, and I like it.
Don’t get me wrong, the way they make heartache, breakups, and general dating messes sound upbeat and how they make you feel like no matter what everything is going to work out is great. Some days you just need some relentless optimism in the tone of your music, but when that relentlessly upbeat band just breaks down and says “fuck it, this sucks and we’re going to treat it like it does” it can be magical… and it is.
Overall this is a good album. Not a great album, but a good album. It serves as a decent follow-up to their last album, and is filled with some good songs, one not so good song (“I Don’t Know How”), and one great song. If you’re on the fence, check it out. I promise it’s worth it.
Rating: 4/5