Artist: The Beths
Album: Straight Line Was A Lie
Label: Anti – Epitaph
Link: https://www.thebeths.com/
Style: Pop, Pop/Rock, Alternative & Indie
The Beths is a New Zealand quartet led by Elizabeth Stokes, who sings, writes all the lyrics and composes most of the band’s songs. She is accompanied by Jonathan Pearce on guitar, Benjamin Sinclair on bass (they also provide backing vocals), and Tristan Deck on drums. In retrospect, their rise has been fairly rapid, as they have attracted public and critical interest since their first album was released in 2018. Their reputation has been reinforced by regular international tours. Straight Line Was A Lie is their fourth studio album to date.
In writing this album, the singer moves away from lyrics centered on romantic love and the relative success that can accompany it. She delivers much more intimate yet universal lyrics, relating to her doubts and, above all, her physical and mental health. The strength of this music lies in its ability to maintain a communicative joy and brightness despite its deeper themes. As on previous albums, the choruses are particularly catchy, and the melodies have the lightness and immediate freshness of pop songs that you want to listen to again and again without question.
As on previous albums, the band demonstrates its expertise in vocal and instrumental harmonies. As always, Elizabeth Stokes’ vibrant voice remains the most memorable, but it is when she is backed by the backing vocals, as in ‘Til My Heart Stops’, that she is most moving. The sound of the electric guitar rarely strays from its clear tone; it can sometimes take on an extra layer of saturation to present a livelier face. The rhythm section follows the same pattern, with an effective snare drum taking the lead on ‘Take’, the catchiest track on the album.