The debut album from San Diego, CA indie rock band Coastal Wolves, "Hurts Like Hell," was written, produced, mixed, and performed by founding member and lead vocalist Heath Alan Farmer. The album is emblematic of Farmer's sensibilities in creating an anthemic yet experimental sonic landscape, while showcasing Farmer's penchant for irony and sad humor as a lyricist. No song on the album captures this better than the single, "Sucks to Be You," a song that almost didn't make the cut because Farmer was afraid "listeners would think I was talking about them, when in reality I'm talking about myself." And yet, despite Farmer's self-deprecating nature in the lyrics, "Sucks to Be You" comes out on top as one of the more rocking, uplifting, and fun tracks on the album, featuring Farmer's energetic lead vocals behind a backdrop of melodic guitars and rhythmic-heavy indie rock. After receiving a nomination for "Best New Artist" at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards, Coastal Wolves have grown their presence in the San Diego and Southern California music scene as the new buzz-worthy indie alternative band, winning "Best Rock or Indie/Alternative Song" at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards for "Sucks to Be You." The band is working on their second studio album, set to release in Fall 2024.
