Photo Credit: Josh Halling
Words: Isabella Hayden

Known for being fearless and using music to share their thoughts on topics like identity and relationships, since their debut album ‘KILLJOY’ Coach Party have always told it like it is. Diving even deeper this time round, their sophomore album ‘Caramel’ is punky yet exceptionally heartfelt, wrestling with mental health and feeling lost as well as, friendships and community.

Instantly a standout track, ‘Girls!’ embraces the feeling of girlhood but not in the stereotypical pyjama parties and doing each other’s makeup way, in a much more confident, powerful way. “I don’t care who you are, you’re all my girls” lead singer Jess Eastwood outlines the importance of female togetherness and looking out for each other while the music feels like a night out. Vivid drums and wild, explosive guitar hooks create the sensation of having fun and letting go, not allowing anything to ruin the night. 

Less grungy and more like a 2000’s Indie-pop hit, ‘Georgina’ follows. With a focus on feeling out of place and wanting to find yourself again, the track dramatically switches up the album’s vibe. “I just need to be ok” Eastwood near whispers before a lawless guitar frenzy which resembles the mind fog of trying to fix things within your own head. ‘Control’ then pulls the group back to their roots with a mixture of thrashing drums, heavy guitar riffs and punchy vocals about losing control.

On the complete other end of the spectrum, ‘I Really Like You’ is easy-going and wholesome with gentler vocals about falling for someone whereas, ‘Disco Dream’ featuring Izzy Bee Phillips of Black Honey, resurfaces the upbeat, nightlife element. “Dancefloor, music, lights” Eastwood belts over hectic guitar and vigorous drums. 

“Just to feel numb, take another one, happiness will come, till the feelings gone, take another one” Eastwood’s voice is dejected on ‘Medicate Yourself’ where they tackle depression, medication and feeling like you’re not good enough for someone else. Unlike many of the group’s past in your face tracks, this one is foggy and downbeat with simple drumming and low synth sounding riffs that also feel hopeless. 

Really using their vulnerable side as the backbone of the album, closing track ‘Still Hurts’ is an intriguing ending. Both heartfelt in the lyrics but still powerful within the music, a thundering of guitar and bass noise plus a bashing drum bridge, again signifies the swirling feeling of confusion when you are lost within your own head. As lyrics unfold trying to fight your demons but still struggling, the song is undeniably candid. 

While some bands need a lot of practice to find their voice, Coach Party have never failed to be louder and bolder than everyone around them, bursting with confidence most artists take years to develop. This has always been obvious but ‘Caramel’ takes it to a whole new level, leaping into loneliness, low self-worth and heartbreak yet more importantly focusing on looking after each other, friendships and trying to pull ourselves through the hard times.