The Beths live with Dateline. Saturday 4 October, Paradiso Amsterdam

Photo Wout de Natris

On the back of its superb new album 'Straight Line Was A Lie' The Beths returned to The Netherlands for a just as superb show, in which the singer apologised that people had to travel more for this show!

Four albums into its career the New Zealand band has become a fine-tuned machine that is simply fantastic to listen to, on record and live. I'm very glad that I can still watch them in a venue the size of Paradiso, but I can only wonder what it takes for a band this good to play a bigger venue.

In a Paradiso that was not packed but very pleasantly filled, The Beths received a reception that came close to being reverential. The Dutch disease was almost non-existent this evening. Standing completely at the back during the centrepiece of the evening, a solo played 'Mother', I could hear a pin drop from there. For such a large venue that is near unprecedented. 'Mother', also the centrepiece of the album, was preceded by some small talk from each bandmember and even that did not ignite the audience into their own talkfest. Impressive it was.

The Beths kicked off its show with the opening and title song of its latest album. 'Straight Line Was A Lie', the song sort of fell into place for me. I liked it alright, but now I've become almost addicted to it, while the lyrics landed in the live situation, not at home. It was followed by 'No Joy', the postpunk track of the new album. With its staccato rhythm it sets a totally different mood with the clear aim to draw in the audience even more. From there a tension bow was created with more melodic songs and somewhat slower songs until we learned about the breakfast blog of bass player Benjamin Sinclair and that all the gear was stolen a few days ago, something that unfortunately happens to most bands while touring. Too easy targets, I'm afraid, for criminals, but so sad, as they will tour with their favourite instruments to play on.

Before the show drummer Tristan Deck put something mysterious in the spot where the guitarist and bassist would stands. What is it?, I wondered and then of course forgot about it, until they pulled green coloured recorders from their stands during the show. More than once too, making the show something completely different and so much fun to watch and listen to. The Beths surprised some more. 

Mother, WdN-vdB

This culminated into Elizabeth Stokes performing 'Mother' solo. After which the show was slowly working towards a climax. For me that always will be the song that introduced me to the band in Covid times: 'I'm Not Getting Excited'. Well, have I got news for The Beths. This song really, really excites me every time I hear it. This evening was no exception. In it, as in many other songs, guitarist (and producer) Jonathan Pearce plays a guitar solo that seems to go totally off the rails. He finds notes to play that no one else would even imagine playing in their wildest dreams, in a rocksong that is. Somehow they fit and make the song explosive. 'I'm Not Getting Excited' is a banger of epic proportions to me. One of the great discoveries that put me on to a great band. I only learned later about 'Future 'Me Hates Me' later but it has grown into another favourite. (Yes, even I can have my ears screwed on wrong when I hear a song for the first time, which I did circa 2018.)

My final comment is on the harmony vocals. All four bandmembers sing and that gives The Beths another extra, as also here it is not necessarily the most easy harmony the band could have found. The songs may be written by Elizabeth Stokes, the band arranges them and they are masters at it. On record and live. Next time the AFAS, I'd say, although seeing them so up close is a treat, but lets not be selfish.

Photo: Wout de Natris

I came late to the support act, Dateline. I had no information on the band but that usually does not stop me from hearing a new band. Due to circumstances I came in only during the fourth song before the end. What struck me was the super clear sound of the lead guitar, like glass. I was taken in immediately by what I was hearing. Also Dateline's members all sing and brings this extra quality to its show. And then came a song in which the band played louder and more postpunk. The song was good but then went into overdrive. If I've ever saw anger on stage, it was here and now. Singer Kate Everingham started screaming at someone called Henry. The only thing I could think, besides wow, this is good, am I glad not to be in this guy's shoes. In the circa 15 minutes I heard, I was totally convinced to have heard another alternative rock band from New Zealand that is more than just good. I am truly sorry to have been late.

Dateline has two albums out, 'It's All Downhill From Here' (2024) and 'Dumb For My Age' (2022). Kate Everingham said after the show that there will be a new album in 2026. And that "Harry" had not even been recorded yet. I can't wait to hear more.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

You can buy The Beths music here:

https://thebethsnz.bandcamp.com/album/straight-line-was-a-lie 

and Dateline's here:

https://dateline.bandcamp.com/album/dumb-for-my-age