Coastlines conjure Balearic bliss with a Honshu twist on their second eponymous LP

Japanese production duo Coastlines return to Flower Records with their second long-player, serving blissed-out moods via the gorgeously radiant 'Coastlines 2'.

The pairing of Masanori Ikeda and Takumi Kanedo have long been associated with the revered and wildly eclectic Flower imprint, and – while their Coastline project has been gaining momentum since launching in 2018 – each are established artists with long and varied release credentials. Ikeda has released a string of solo and collaborative EPs and mix compilations, while Kanedo is perhaps best-known for his work with jazz outfit, Cro-Magnon. 'Coastlines 1' arrived on UK label, Be With, back in 2019 following a pair of EP releases, winning innumerable fans from all corners of the Balearic-minded spectrum. Musically rich and endowed with a palpable sense of sunset abandon, the follow-up is every bit as sumptuous, featuring 12 stunning tracks that are each ripe for ocean-side introspection. Highlights include the psychedelic boogie swirls of 'Alicia', the searingly beautiful keys of 'Night Cruise', and the tropical refrains and steel drum strikes of 'Sand Steps'.

The entire LP is a perfect wind-down accompaniment and roundly dazzling throughout. Our pick to play here is 'Waves & Rays'. Constructed over a low-slung groove, the growling funk bass and infectious synth solo combine magnificently for a dreamy slice of Balearic boogie.

'Coastlines 2' is out now on Flower Records. You can buy it here

Patrizio Cavaliere is Mixmag Asia's Music Editor. Follow him on Instagram