Sunshine Coast artist LUUNG releases stunning, atmospheric electro-pop EP in 'Coast to Coast + Sky's Still Here'

Following up the success of ‘How Does It Feel?’, Sunshine Coast songwriter LUUNG doubles up and brings a two-single release in ‘Coast to Coast’ + ‘Sky’s Still Here’.

The artist’s DIY prowess shines through his songwriting, production, mixing, mastering and more, which has earned praise and attention from local collaborators and international interest.

‘Coast to Coast’ mixes Bladerunner-style synths (think Yamaha CS-80 or Juno tones) with simplified trap beats, and LUUNG’s breathy-styled vocal. The pared-back production allows the vocals to stand-up, whereas in a busier mix, this approach would have been buried. This makes for a more compelling listen, in particular in the last third of the track, which despite the song’s pace, still manages to create an anticipating build.

‘+’ serves as a bridge between both main singles, relying on heavy atmospherics and interesting sonic textures

B-single, ‘Sky’s Still here’ segues off ‘+’ with a bouncy dance section (though it feels like it could easily join to ‘Coast to Coast’). The use of a reverse-style effect on the synth strings actually becomes more of a hook than what may be intended. Where ‘Coast to Coast’ is relatively melancholy, ‘Sky’s Still Here’ manages to break through the grey and bring in some light.

Emotive, lush and celestial, Coast to Coast + Sky’s Still Here explores the feeling of distance in every sense of the word. It encapsulates the earnest, pleading desire to make something work at any cost. The songs pulse with intimacy and make perfect use of the metaphor of physical space to explore the boundaries of relationships.

The double single kicks off with Coast to Coast - a vulnerable, stripped back track that instantly enchants with a haunting vox calling out, “I’ll be waiting for you.” The piece is reminiscent of minimalist electronic artists like CLN, Jarryd James and Jack Grace. According to LUUNG, this was very intentional - “I’m constantly trying to improve as a writer first and foremost. Not letting the production get in the way was important for this one.”

This bare bones approach allowed his dazzling sonic space to take centre-stage, filled with all kinds of luscious, glowing textures that perfectly complement his raw vocals. The song’s themes unpack what happens when good intentions and naivety are exposed to the harsh uncertainty of the real world. It stretches the bounds of love as far as they can possibly go. Moments of doubt are hinted at but ultimately overruled with the catchy hook, “No matter where you go - I’ll chase it.” A devastatingly gorgeous and gritty track to come-of-age alongside.

Creating a wistful scene that you can’t help but be moved by is LUUNG’s special knack. Out of his most gut wrenching moments, he’s built an engaging, immersive world that sweeps you up with an honesty you can’t shy away from. His intimate lyrics remind us that it’s okay for love to have nuance, worry and fear, but that isn’t the end of the story. The warm, sonic world that encapsulates them softens the blow and lets the words really breathe. We’re left feeling like perhaps it’s okay not to have all the answers and maybe, for once, we can stop pretending we do. This release gives us all permission to let down our masks by boldly doing so first. He hopes the work can encourage people to “chill out, be self aware and be kind.”

LUUNG’s impressive craftsmanship has shone the spotlight on him as somebody to watch. He’s poised to join the top tier of international pop, with the same vibe and energy we love from artists like Lauv and Troye Sivan.