The Beaches are a five-piece pop rock band from Toronto. Formed in 2013 but they have really taken off in the past 12 months since the release of their second LP, “Blame My Ex”. They are in the UK to play Reading and Leeds Festivals and have added a string of gigs around those shows which are all completely sold out.
The queue stretches around the venue before the doors open which is incredibly rare for an early-doors show like tonight. This means the floor is already packed by the time support act Chloe Slater takes the stage. The Manchester singer-songwriter has been finding some success on TikTok with conversational songs about the Gen Z experience such as “Death Trap” and “Price on Fun”. She tells us that she’s feeling very unwell today but that the enthusiastic crowd reaction has made her feel much better. There are shades of Yard Act and early Lily Allen in the accomplished set which hints at bigger things to come for Chloe.
A well-considered ‘girlie pop’ playlist featuring the likes of Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams plays out between sets and helps to generate a lively and positive atmosphere before The Beaches burst onto stage.
Opening with the album closer, “Cigarette”, there’s a vibrant energy which does not let up for 90 minutes. It’s a straight down the line rock and roll show – big choruses, great guitar work and pop star posturing.
An acoustic version of album track “If A Tree Falls” elevates the song to become a highlight of their catalogue. It gives the band an opportunity to show off their impressive vocals and hints at an Americana-type sound that the band could nicely lean into in the future.
Guitarist Leandra Earl is particularly popular with the crowd tonight. Looking every bit the rock star behind their oversized shades, they prowl along the barrier much to the excitement of the young audience at the front.
Lead singer, Jordan Miller, is a perfect frontperson. They tell us how they have ascended Bristol’s ‘Christmas Steps’ before dedicating a song to Love Island’s most famous former couple, Tommy and Molly Mae, suggesting they have done their local research before taking the stage. This is corroborated by Little Simz being chosen as the exit music tonight.
The main set concludes with irresistible indie pop bangers “Edge of the Earth” and “Blame Brett” – the song which changed the trajectory of the band’s career. There are “Blame…..” stickers left around the venue for the audience to write their own ex’s names which adds to the sense of inclusion and fun that the band are bringing to their live shows.
The audience isn’t just here for the TikTok hits. Latest single, “Takes One to Know One” goes off in the encore and is equalled by the rapturous reception for older song “T-Shirt” from the band’s debut LP.
The Beaches’ bold and brilliant Bristol show proves they are not just a band for Summer, there’s more than enough variety to enjoy all year long for many years to come.
