Concert Review: Kiwi Quartet, The Beths Slay at Their First Gainesville Show
By Conrad Centeno
When it comes to indie rock, few bands hold a torch to the huggable charm and inescapable resonance of The Beths. This four-piece musical group, sprung out of the verdant loins of New Zealand, is the spawn of them being in college jazz program together and previous stints in other bands. Members Elizabeth Stokes (guitar, vocals), Jonathan Pearce (lead guitar, recording), Benjamin Sinclair (bass and band blog), and Tristan Deck (drums and cymbals) melded together, creating a sonic tempest that enchants masses from all corners of the globe.
For those like me, languishing in ignorance of The Beths and the elaborate mosaic that is New Zealand music, our eyes were wrenched open to the impending spectacle of the evening. Their latest studio release, "Expert in a Dying Field," is a hedonic banquet of catchy hooks and a symbol of their evolution as a band from their 2020 album, "Jump Rope Gazers." These melodious testimonials validate The Beths' uncanny ability to weave enchanting tunes and evoke emotions that reverberate in the deepest corners of their fans' psyche.
Recently, The Beths invaded Florida like conquistadors of sound, leaving a trail of sold out shows and ecstatic fans from Tampa to Gainesville. At the renowned High Dive, a large mix of college kids, some Gen X diaspora, and a few silver-haired seniors gathered tonight, proving their music straddles generational chasms.
Before the raucous echoes of the show, The Beths delivered a moment of levity. A playful entrance, clad in stage tech sweatshirts reading Guitar Tech, Bass Tech and incognito under their hoods, elicited a ripple of snickers through the knowing crowd. Just as Jonathan's laptop began whispering the curated entrance music, a blow-up fish from their acclaimed album art on "Watching the Credits" inflated onstage, a towering symbol of The Beths' vibrant presence.
The band were casually attired as if to embark on a Floridian family vacation, The Beths immediately set the mood for a night of unhinged joy and raw talent. With cut-off jean shorts, a striped shirt, and an air of unaffected nonchalance, Liz embodied a sense of ease.
Their set started with the banger "Future Me Hates Me," a scorching fuzzy guitar tune that ignited a frenzy of euphoria. The band's harmonious voices filled the room, while the audience lent their own with wild abandon.
As Liz plumbed the depths of "Knees Deep" with her formidable guitar skills, a surge of jubilation radiated from the crowd. Despite the lyrics' potential undertones of angst, The Beths' vibrant resonance created a cheerful atmosphere.
The heat rose further when Liz launched "Out of Sight" with a primeval howl to the crowd, igniting an excited return response like a Maori Haka.
Jonathan, with his rousing guitar solos on songs like "Dying to Believe," showcased the sheer enjoyment he derived from his guitar prowess. His whole tone scale sound was mathematically satisfying, perfectly complementing the band's overall sound. Despite the occasional blinding from the overzealous smoke machine, Tristan's drumming remained tight and unwavering, a testament to his dedication and skill.
During a brief interlude, Benjamin regaled the crowd with a tale of their encounter with a gator while visiting a nearby Gainesville park, sharing a quintessential Florida experience that they will long remember. Meanwhile, Jonathan, ever thoughtful, pointed a fan at the sweltering crowd, providing a much-needed respite from the air conditioned, yet balmy club.
Midway through the set, Liz cranked up the reverb on her guitar, resulting in a great tone that filled the venue. As she played, her confident coolness shone through, reflected in the indescribable expressions on her face. It was the demeanor of someone simply being herself, completely in her element.
The collective energy reached its zenith during "Jump Rope Gazers." A sea of arms swayed like sunflowers, heads bobbing in rhythmic harmony, and a palpable sense of unity pervaded the air.
Before launching into "Watching the Credits," Liz playfully feigned excitement about their planned group trip to Universal Studios the next day, eliciting tips and suggestions from the crowd.
"When You Know You Know" commenced with strong harmonies from the whole band, elevating the song to new heights. The power of their combined voices shot out through the venue.
The two-song encore was nothing short of fantastic. "Whatever" and "Little Death" had the crowd singing every word, and it was evident that the music struck a deeply emotional chord. In the midst of the fervor, I saw tears flow from a couple of younger girls, a testament to the band's ability to touch hearts.
A night with The Beths is a kaleidoscopic journey through their discography, with hints of kinship with acts like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail. Yet, it's their lyrics that truly set this band apart. These artfully crafted anthems are hymns for our challenging times, providing much-needed hope and reminding us of the transformative power of music.
To delve deeper into the band's behind-the-scenes exploits while on tour, be sure to check out their blog run by Benjamin. The Breakfast and Travel Updates blog (Google it) offers a unique glimpse into the band's world, what they ate for breakfast, and sharing their adventures and insights with fans. It's an opportunity to further connect with The Beths and gain a deeper understanding of the magic that goes into creating their incredible music.
As their odyssey through the United States continues this year, with dates in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, the sonic enchantment of The Beths is not to be missed. The echoes of this extraordinary performance will reverberate in my mind, a testament to the transformative power of music and the profound impact of The Beths' phenomenal talent.
