Before the pandemic hit, I had planned on seeing The Beths in Hollywood at The Zebulon. Everything shut down, the tour was canceled, and I was left sitting at home disappointed. Two and a half years later and the time has finally come! I arrived at The Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA just before 8. A comforting and welcoming venue with a tavern aesthetic that sits just off the coast. Support act, Rosie Tucker, was expected to take the stage at 8. but it wasn't until 8:20 or so that I noticed 3 people crowded around the soundboard.
After a few more minutes, it became apparent that the night was being plagued by technical difficulties. By 9 o'clock, people around me were beginning to wonder if the issues would be resolved. Around 9:20 or so, twenty minutes after The Beths were scheduled to perform, the crew working on the issues got things up and running.
Rosie Tucker did a quick soundcheck, and then she and her band blistered through a shortened set to make up for lost time and try to get back on a schedule.
The Beths walked out to cheers just a little past 10 as they jumped into "I'm Not Getting Excited" from their 2020 release, Jump Rope Gazers. However, there was kind of a sense of bitterness in the room during the first few songs. After The Beths took a moment to explain the sound system issues, the air felt like it cleared and the mood shifted for the better. Fans seemed to start dancing and singing along more which in turn seemed to make the band enjoy themselves more.
They continued to play through classics from their first LP like "You Wouldnt Like Me" and "Great No One" as well as playing new songs like the title track from their upcoming album, Expert in a Dying Field, and the not-yet-released, "Knees Deep."
I was a little concerned about their set being cut short due to the late start time, but the band filled the set with each album's fair share of songs, even throwing in, "Just Shy a Sure" -- a deep cut from Jump Rope Gazers as well as still taking the time to share some banter like how lucky they are to be soaking in the Summer sun while everyone in their homeland of New Zealand is dealing with Winter weather.
As they inched closer to the end, Liz Stokes announced they wouldn't be following the age-old tradition of leaving the stage for an encore and instead would just play through their set. By the time the band hit the riveting 2020 single, "Dying to Believe," the audience was all in. Whatever restlessness that may have been present at the start of the set was gone and the fans were participating in the call-and-responses and bouncing around the dance floor in full force. After a short cool down with "You Are a Beam of Light," The Beths closed the night with fan favorite, "Little Death."
After a rough start to the night, The Beths finished the night with arms raised in triumph and the crowd left happy. Thanks to the help of the sound crew, even The Beths' own, Jonathan Pearce joining in to help solve the problem, a patient Tuesday night crowd, and The Beths' energy and drive, the night ended with smiles and satisfaction.
The Beths' North American tour is only getting started. Be sure to check out their new album, Expert in a Dying Field -- due out September 16th on Carpark.
