EP Review: Coasting — Crimes of Passion

EP Review: Coasting — Crimes of Passion

Released May 29th, 2026
Indietronica / House / Electropop

Introduction

There are records that announce themselves with explosive energy, and then there are records that quietly settle beside you, inviting reflection rather than demanding attention. Crimes of Passions’s Coasting belongs firmly in the latter category. This five-track EP is less about reaching a destination than embracing the winding road that leads there, exploring life’s highs and lows with sincerity, warmth, and an understated elegance that makes every moment feel deeply personal.

Inspired by the sun-soaked rhythms of Balearic Beat, Coasting effortlessly blends indietronica, house, electropop, and perhaps most unexpectedly, the intimate storytelling spirit of contemporary folk music. The result is an EP that feels simultaneously nostalgic and modern—music equally suited for quiet introspection, long coastal drives, and the first golden rays of a summer morning.

At its heart, Coasting is exactly what Robert Ruby, the man behind Crimes of Passion describes it to be: an exploration of life itself. Written against the backdrop of personal struggles, mental health challenges, and the profound uncertainty brought about by the global pandemic, these five songs document not only moments of hardship but also the resilience required to move through them. Rather than dwelling in darkness, however, the EP continually searches for light. Every melody, every layered synth, and every heartfelt lyric suggests that healing is rarely linear—but always possible.

One of the album’s greatest strengths is how naturally it fuses acoustic sensibilities with electronic production. While the synthesizers and rhythmic programming provide the foundation, there is an unmistakable organic quality running throughout the EP. The songwriting often feels rooted in folk traditions—honest, personal, and emotionally direct—while the electronic arrangements gently expand those intimate moments into something cinematic. Instead of competing with one another, these two worlds complement each other beautifully.

This combination gives Coasting a unique identity. It never feels like electronic music trying to imitate folk, nor folk music experimenting with synthesizers. Instead, Robert Ruby finds a genuine meeting point where both traditions coexist naturally.

The EP opens with “Delirium,” a fitting introduction that immediately establishes both the emotional and musical identity of the record. Driven by shimmering electronic textures and Balearic-inspired rhythms, the song captures the uncertainty and emotional turbulence that often accompanies periods of anxiety and transition. There is an infectious momentum beneath its introspective surface, drawing listeners into Ruby’s world while hinting at the emotional journey that lies ahead. It serves as an excellent gateway into the EP, balancing vulnerability with optimism in equal measure.

From there, “Leeann” expands the emotional palette. Warm synthesizers and nostalgic melodies wash over the listener, creating one of the EP’s dreamiest moments. There is a subtle ’80s influence woven into its sonic DNA, yet it never feels derivative. Instead, Ruby uses familiar textures to create something deeply personal. The result is a song that feels like looking through old photographs—not dwelling on the past, but appreciating the beauty that remains within memory.

The emotional center of the EP arrives with “Control.” Here, Robert Ruby’s songwriting feels at its most honest and vulnerable. The production remains beautifully restrained, allowing the lyrical themes of personal struggle and mental health to breathe naturally. The electronic elements never overpower the emotional core; instead, they act like waves carrying the narrative forward. It’s a track that demonstrates Ruby’s greatest strength as both a producer and songwriter: understanding that the best electronic music doesn’t hide emotion behind technology—it amplifies it.

One of the most refreshing surprises on Coasting is “Sunny Day.” This is where the folk influence truly comes into focus. Acoustic guitar textures gently intertwine with lush electronic production, creating one of the most inviting moments on the record. It perfectly illustrates the sonic balance that makes this EP so distinctive. Rather than abandoning its electronic roots, “Sunny Day” allows acoustic instrumentation to become an equal partner in the conversation. The result is warm, comforting, and quietly uplifting—a reminder that even after difficult seasons, brighter days inevitably return.

Closing the journey is “Too Late,” a thoughtful finale that leaves the listener with a sense of acceptance rather than regret. Returning to Ruby’s electropop foundation while maintaining the intimacy established throughout the EP, the closing track feels reflective without becoming melancholy. There is resolution here—not because every question has been answered, but because the journey itself has brought greater understanding. It’s an ending that lingers long after the final notes fade, encouraging listeners to revisit the record from the beginning with fresh ears.

The Balearic influence deserves particular praise throughout the EP. Rather than relying on obvious dancefloor clichés, Ruby embraces the genre’s original spirit—warmth, openness, and emotional escape. The rhythms move with effortless confidence, creating a relaxed pulse that carries the listener from beginning to end without ever feeling rushed. There is movement throughout the EP, but it is movement born from reflection rather than urgency.

The production itself is beautifully restrained. Every instrument has room to breathe, allowing subtle details to emerge with repeated listens. Warm synthesizer pads drift beneath shimmering melodies while tasteful percussion creates gentle propulsion. The mixes are spacious, inviting listeners to become immersed in the sound rather than overwhelmed by it.

Vocally, Robert Ruby delivers performances that feel genuine and conversational. There is no unnecessary theatricality here—just honest storytelling. That sincerity becomes one of the project’s defining characteristics. Whether addressing personal demons, navigating periods of uncertainty, or reflecting on isolation, the lyrics never feel overly dramatic. Instead, they capture the quiet conversations we often have with ourselves during difficult chapters of life.

Perhaps what makes Coasting so successful is its refusal to chase trends. It isn’t trying to become the loudest electronic record of the year or the biggest festival anthem. Instead, it succeeds by creating genuine emotional connection. In a musical landscape often dominated by immediacy and constant stimulation, there is something refreshing about an EP that values patience, atmosphere, and authenticity.

This is music designed for moments of reflection:

• sunrise drives along quiet coastlines
• headphones during an evening walk
• peaceful mornings with coffee in hand
• solitary moments when the outside world finally grows quiet

It is equally capable of providing comfort during difficult times and celebrating the small victories that often go unnoticed.

By the time the final notes fade, Coasting leaves behind an unexpected sense of optimism. Not because every problem has been solved, but because the journey itself has been embraced. Robert Ruby reminds us that life is rarely a straight line. It bends, climbs, falls, and occasionally drifts with the current. Learning to navigate those changes with honesty and compassion may be the greatest lesson of all.

With Coasting, Crimes of Passion has crafted an EP that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Its seamless fusion of folk-inspired songwriting, Balearic warmth, indietronica textures, and thoughtful electronic production creates an experience that lingers long after the music ends. It is a record that doesn’t ask listeners to escape their lives—it encourages them to breathe, reflect, and continue moving forward, one quiet mile at a time.

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren’t the fastest ones.

Sometimes it’s enough to simply keep coasting.

You can listen tothe album here, on Soundcloud: