Secondhand Setlists

The Beaches, JUNO Award-winners for Breakthrough Act of 2018, showed LA why they earned that distinction.

The four-piece rock band arrived looking the part: puffy sleeves, white sunnies, and attitude to boot. Their punky, propulsive energy suited the Sayers Club well; the space’s intimacy made it feel like we caught the band in the middle of practicing in their garage.

Opening with “Back of my Heart” off their debut Late Show, the band dove into a set of alt-rock gems. “Don’t take me so serious” sang vocalist Jordan Miller, but how could you not when they perform with such aplomb? Tracks like “Gold” and “T-Shirt” showed off the group’s knack for catchy, rebellious material that reverberated in your head long after they finished.

“We have some new songs for you tonight… I don’t know if we’re allowed to say that,” Miller remarked. Just like their music, the Beaches themselves cared little for appeasing those in charge. Thank god for that, because tracks like “Fascination” and “Snake Tongue” solidified the momentum they established with record #1.

Whether watching Miller and keyboardist Leandra Earl’s run in-place together or Kylie Miller shred her guitar, the Beaches brought a purposeful movement to their show which appeared natural and, most importantly, fun. If you’re in the search for a new act to blast out of your car windows this summer, consider the Beaches. As they say on “Moment”, which they, unfortunately, failed to play, “You don’t wanna miss out on the moment.”