Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Coastal Town – All Empires (2021)

Coastal Town is filling our ears with the anthem of those who have had to rebuild. ‘All Empires’ tells the story of the fall of an egomaniacal dictator with a touch of antiquity and hope thrown in. Inspired by the fall of all empires, the band fills you with the hope that those who rebuild after the collapse have.

This infusion of collapse and hope comes from a band that is multi-cultural and multi-generational. While the majority of the band members are still in high school, they bring references of times gone and choice quotes that add depth and maturity to their music. Letting the music guide them, they bring a unique and blended sound that whirls around a core of indie-pop.



‘All Empires’ pulls you in with the vocals that shine like a ray of light breaking over the horizon. There is a wonderful lightness to the performance that sends any darkness running. The lightness of the vocals highlights the poetry of the lyrics which are packed with hope and the brightness of new times. There is a great flow to the vocals that make you want to sway to them while singing along. The harmonisations that come later are wonderful as the vocals weave into each other and complementing each other.

While the vocals take centre stage, the melody is absolutely wonderful. There is a blending of light piano notes with refreshing drums. The brightness of the vocals shines through in the music as you are swept into the hopeful emotions of the single. There is a moment when the music drops from the melodic flow to a more pulsing tone that creates a greater depth to the song. While doing this, the music hooks into your brain and will not let you go. The layered approach has been expertly executed showcasing the prowess of the band.

Coastal Town paints a poetic picture of hope and new beginnings through the downfall of a dictator in the bright rays of ‘All Empires’. The vocals bring the brightness of hope to your ears through an enthralling melodic display while the melody hooks into your brain. The lyrics are catchy and have you singing along as you sway to the music.

Find out more about Coastal Town on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.