Coastal

Coastal is a UK-based electronic duo consisting of Aaron Hetherington and Jonathan Fletcher, hailing from Leeds. Emerging from a background in hardcore and metal, the pair underwent a radical stylistic shift to embrace the 80s retrowave and synth-pop movements.

Their sound is characterized by a heavy reliance on vintage-inspired synthesis, gated reverb percussion, and breathy, atmospheric vocals. Since their debut release 'Memories' in 2021, they have established a prolific output, including the significant 2023 release 'Heartbeats'. Culturally, they occupy a space within the 'New Retro Wave' scene, appealing to listeners who value aesthetic cohesion and nostalgic escapism. Their work often explores themes of urban isolation, romantic longing, and the passage of time, aligning them with the cinematic 'outrun' subculture. Critical reception typically highlights their ability to evoke specific visual moods, particularly those associated with 1980s neo-noir cinema and summer nostalgia.