The Beths are an energetic guitar-pop/punk band. Each member of the New Zealand four-piece studied jazz at university, yet this is only evident in their precision playing, not their style. There’s a strong undercurrent of the ‘90s in their music, but at times their sound could be likened to current indie bands such as Alvvays.
The album kicks off with the energy dialled to 11 and keeps up the pace throughout. There are no slow songs, although some of the nicest moments are the sparse intros that provide a brief reprieve from the frenzy of non-stop guitar and rapid-fire drums. That said, when it all kicks off, it’s exuberant. Elizabeth Stokes’ no-frills vocals cut through the guitar fuzz, accompanied by playful ‘60s-style pop harmonies sung by male voices.
The album’s cover features a painting of a woman who can’t bear to look at herself in the mirror – the perfect image to accompany an album focused on love and self-doubt. Yet despite the angst, the songs are brilliant, bright and joyful.
7.5/10
