November 07 2025 Words by Lawrence Mann Photos by A Rood Photography
Walking into the lobby, you’re greeted by a hum of excited voices, many coloured with Australian and New Zealand accents. The bars buzz with energy, pouring tall craft beers for these spirited transplants.
Inside the theatre, the stage is subtly dressed with The Beths’ album artwork and seven softly glowing lamps. As the night unfolds, the lamps flicker through a palette of colours, pulsing most vividly during The Beths’ set.
Tonight’s bill was proudly all–New Zealand artists. Opening the show was dream-pop outfit Phoebe Rings. Frontwoman Chrystal Choi’s ethereal voice, paired with shimmering synths and soaring guitar leads, made for a perfect, danceable introduction.
Next up was Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame, completely at ease in his element. His effortless ability to weave beautiful melodies with sly, comedic lyrics is nothing short of genius. A standout moment came during his ballad “What the F** Just Happened?”*—complete with a cheeky backing vocal echoing “it’s a shithole.” Mid-set, Bret launched into a hilarious bit about Whittaker’s chocolate, joking, “Most artists have merch; we’ve got New Zealand’s best chocolate.” He tossed a few bars into the crowd before wrapping up his set to roaring laughter.
I’d seen The Beths a couple of years ago at the Lodge Room—one of my favourite shows that year. Liz Stokes’ lyrics and voice are the emotional centerpiece of the band, but every member matters: Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair, and Tristan Deck form the essential backbone that gives the songs their drive and colour. Earlier this year, Liz played a more intimate show at the Largo at the Coronet with Bret McKenzie, Courtney Barnett, and a comedian—a setting that revealed the raw emotional depth of her songwriting.
When The Beths hit the stage tonight, they dove straight into their set. What you hear on the radio doesn’t quite prepare you for the live experience. The sweetness of the songs remains, but onstage they explode with punch, power, and heart. The set ebbed and flowed beautifully—some tracks tender and melancholic, others bursting with pop-rock energy—but every one unmistakably The Beths.
The setlist pulled from all four of their albums, leaning heavily on Expert in a Dying Field and A Real Thing (Straight Line Was a Lie). The venue’s ornate carved wood and copper ceiling added a touch of grandeur. Midway through, Liz pointed out the copper above before launching into “Metal.” Both “Metal” and “Expert in a Dying Field” were standouts, but every song built toward a cohesive, emotional arc. Watching the audience—especially the Kiwis and Aussies—sing along to every word was pure joy.
As the final notes faded, I made myself a promise: I’ll never miss another Beths show in Los Angeles.
Setlist
Straight Line Was A Lie
No Joy
Silence Is Golden
Future Me Hates Me
Metal
Til My Heart Stops
Mother, Pray For Me
Out Of Sight
Your Side
Mosquitoes
Roundabout
Jump Rope Gazers
Best Laid Plans
Little Death
I’m Not Getting Excited
Expert In A Dying Field
Encore
Take
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