Coastal formed in the Utah, USA in 1999 by singer and guitarist Jason Gough bassist Josh Callaway. Later on, Jim Harker (drums, occasionally plays second guitar) and Sarah Holyoak (organ, backing vocals) joined to complete the line-up. Within a year, Holyoak left Coastal and Luisa Gough, Jason's wife, took over on keyboards and backing vocals.
Reminiscient of the sound of slowcore bands Low and Ida, the band released their self-titled debut album in March 2001. Their sophomore record, Halfway To You, was released in 2004. A third album, titled Beneath the Snow and Streetlights, is to follow in 2010. Coastal has also released two EPs and one split album with shoegaze band Midsummer.