Two Kiwi bands on one Bristol stage? Hard to argue with that.
On their first return to the O2 Academy since supporting Death Cab For Cutie in early 2019, The Beths found a room not just ready but devoted. Loyal fans turned up in numbers—many in well-worn tour tees—proving that the band’s reputation has quietly grown into something formidable in their absence.
Dateline took the stage first, opening the night with raw, scrappy energy. Singer-drummer Katie Everingham kept a whiskey close but remained lively and chatty between songs, clearly pacing herself for the set. The rest of the group delivered a punky aura that made them a natural fit for headliners. Their banter came thick, with guitarist Ben proudly sporting Bristol Rovers shorts—naively assuming everyone in the city backs the same team. But the split chorus of cheers and boos set him straight.
The band was genuinely impressed by Bristol’s thrift shops or—“op” shows as Kiwis call them—marveling at the sheer volume on offer. Unfortunately, the venue’s notorious faulty acoustics appeared. The bass was so swampy it earned the nickname “a drummer’s mix” from one attendee. Still, Dateline’s spark carried them through, the set fizzing with personality and grit.
When The Beths took over, the sound system thankfully snapped into place. Touring their fourth album, Straight Line Was A Lie, the band played with the somewhat effortless confidence that comes from knowing every corner of their material. Elizabeth Stokes was as deadpan and witty as ever, but much of the magic came from Jonathan Pearce. His lead guitar lines painted in radiant detail, especially on 12-string, where shimmering, scorched textures lifted every track to new levels.
The setlist stretched to 18 songs, with the new record sitting comfortably alongside established favorites. The atmosphere was warm, almost familial, though a few predictably drunken Brits sang cerebral lyrics like Oasis songs. It was more amusing than disruptive, though a reminder that even the most thoughtful music can turn into a pint-soaked singalong here. Drummer Tristan Deck added to the levity, marveling at the Academy’s two-pint cups. He also amusingly compared them to the hobbits’ first pub trip in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Highlights were plentiful, but it was the tearjerkers that truly stopped the room. “Mother, Pray For Me” hit with such weight that even the bar staff stilled. The Academy, struck with awe, suddenly fell into collective silence. “Roundabout” landed with similar force, proving The Beths’ emotional punch rivals their upbeat sing-alongs.
Elsewhere, “Metal” shimmered as a melodic highlight, its super-catchy chorus bouncing around the room long after the final note. It’s a grin-inducing reminder of the band’s ability to blend brains and pop brilliance without missing a beat.
The inevitable peak came with “Expert in a Dying Field.” Now an anthem in their arsenal, the 850-strong crowd united for a few blissful minutes. For the encore, they offered “Take” from the new album. It was an appropriate parting gift that highlighted just how strong this chapter feels.
If Wednesday night revealed anything, it’s that The Beths’ time away from Bristol has only deepened the bond with fans. Six years after playing second fiddle to Death Cab, they’ve built a loyal base ready to roar every word and hush at the right moments. The O2 was theirs from start to finish.