The Beths at The Royale, 2/26
In stark contrast to the wistful, sun-kissed sounds of their opener, Lunar Vacation, The Beths immediately engendered a sense of lively frenzy upon taking the stage. They began their set with, “I’m Not Getting Excited,” the first track off their newly-released sophomore album, Jump Rope Gazers. However, contrary to what the name suggests, I’m Not Getting Excited is one of the most energetic, high-tempo songs of the album.
The irony of “I’m Not Getting Excited” is a common theme across the New Zealand indie group’s discography. Lead singer and songwriter Liz Stokes’ lyrics are brutally honest assessments neatly packaged in pleasant melodies and accompanied by joyous guitar. “I wish that I could wish you well / Instead I’m hitting my head / And hitting backspace on ‘Can’t you just go to hell’,” she sings on “Mars (The God of War).” Some of her lyrics can also be dolefully confessional, like on “Great No One”: “I don't let much out / Just a broken bulb / Flickering with doubt.” Still, persistent throughout the self-doubt and malaise of her lyrics is an element of levity. Stokes’ inner monologues are as clever as they are candid. In “Jump Rope Gazers,” Stokes sings, “I’ve never been the dramatic type / But if I don’t see your face tonight / I… well I guess I’ll be fine.”
It’s this genuinity and self-awareness that makes The Beths’ music so satisfying. Being sonically interesting is often only half the battle, and the ideas and emotions centered in an artist’s lyricism, which The Beths have mastered, is the other half. Even in the high-energy environment that their music created, there were moments during the set when I felt like I was listening to Stokes reading from her diary. Her lyrics, coupled with the bouncy melodies backing them, are ultimately what made the songs irresistibly danceable and emotionally exploratory at the same time.
The Beths’ dry, affable sense of humor and humility naturally extended to their engagement with the audience. I was surprised by how long they talked to the crowd at the beginning of their set. Each band member took turns speaking, with drummer Tristan Deck making observations about the height of his setup and bassist Benjamin Sinclair cracking jokes about the weather and abundance of blue salt on the road.
Once the set began, however, the band went forward with full momentum, barely pausing to catch their breath between songs. The Beths were economical with their time and space during their performance. Within less than one and a half hours, they played an impressive 16-track setlist, finishing with the same gusto that energized the audience from the very beginning. They performed passionately but tightly, each band member hitting each note with precision. Their stage presence was relatively static, but understandably so, considering how technically involved their songs were.
Ultimately, The Beths performed a terrific set, eliciting full-house cheers from the audience, me and my friends among them.