The Beths Light Up Bristol O2 Academy with Charm, Banter and Big Hooks

Sam Holt
Sep 26
2 min read

Bristol O2 Academy - 24th September 2025

WORDS / IMAGES SAM HOLT

The Beths Light Up Bristol O2 Academy with Charm, Banter and Big Hooks

I always enjoy catching new music. Although The Beths have been active since 2014, they’re new to me, and I was keen to see them when they brought their UK, EU and North American tour to Bristol’s O2 Academy. The Beths formed in Auckland, New Zealand, while studying jazz at university. The line-up is Elizabeth Stokes, Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair and Tristan Deck.

Opening tonight are fellow Kiwis Dateline, from Wellington. (I remember being asked in school what Wellington was famous for — I suggested “boots.” The teacher wasn’t amused.) Dateline have close links to The Beths: frontwoman Katie Everingham toured with them as a drummer in 2018. Their style is indie rock, and Katie has said the two bands complement each other well — something I’d agree with. She’s joined by her brother-in-law Reuben McDonald on guitar, Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa on drums and Phoebe Johnson on bass. Their short set really stepped up mid-way through, winning over plenty of new fans. Despite not feeling 100%, Katie promised they’d be at the merch desk for “a little chit-chat,” and judging by the crowd’s reaction, they were well received.

The Beths opened with the title track of their latest album, Straight Line Was a Lie, instantly pulling the crowd in before moving into single No Joy. At one point guitarist Jonathan Pearce pulled out a recorder — joined by Benjamin — to add an unexpected twist. As expected, much of the set was drawn from the new record, but older favourites were woven throughout.

One of the things that stood out was how all four members took turns speaking between songs. Early on they introduced each other; later, Benjamin and Tristan told the audience about a squirrel that had followed them that morning, which they’d named Mike. Benjamin even produced a photo of “Little Mike” for proof, much to the crowd’s delight.

Highlights included Mother, Pray for Me, which left the room utterly silent and showcased Elizabeth’s vocals beautifully. From there, the energy surged with I’m Not Getting Excited from Jump Rope Gazers, which went down a storm. They closed with Expert in a Dying Field — a perfect ending and a crowd-pleaser.

It was refreshing that the whole band shared banter with the audience, rather than leaving it all to the vocalist. Chat ranged from musings on the word “Antipodean” to the merits of two-pint vessels — and, of course, their squirrel encounter. The sound for Dateline felt a little bass-heavy, and the lighting at times beamed blindingly into the crowd — for a moment I wondered if I’d stumbled into a Coldplay gig. Joking aside, it was a brilliant night of music, carried by the charm and dynamics of both bands. I’ve even enjoyed dipping into Sinclair’s touring blog this past week — a great companion to the live show.

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