In January 2023, Auckland experienced flash floods that severely impacted Oakley Creek, leaving destruction in its wake. Liz Stokes, of the band the Beths, reflected on the changes and their emotional weight. The devastation inspired the song Mosquitoes from their fourth album, Straight Line Was a Lie. Stokes described the creek's destruction and the sense of defeat felt in observing the environment's rapid transformation. The Beths, known for their jangly guitar pop, weave themes of anxiety and connection into their lyrics, resonating with listeners during uncertain times.
The current has forgotten how it felt to break the world. Even before you know the record's backstory, her delivery imbues those languid creek waters with a sense of defeat, something deeper than just a postcard from her neighbourhood.
On that record's Knees Deep, she expresses admiration for someone who always jumps feet-first into life while she's wading in up to the ankles and fearing every second.
The Beths' magnetism comes from how these former jazz school students make jangly guitar pop as joyful and tender as Stokes's lyrics are knotted with self-doubt.
Pitchfork called their first album, 2018's Future Me Hates Me one of the most impressive indie-rock debuts of the year.
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