THE BEACHES – Late Show (2017 Universal)
Don’t waste your summer without visiting The Beaches.
With influences from the Go-Gos through alternative and surf rock, The Beaches have found an intoxicating sound perfect for summer partying. Their debut long player Late Show is chock full of fun, energetic and catchy songs. A couple of hit singles (“Money” and “T-Shirt”) are storming the charts, and a Juno win this year has raised their profile considerably. Armed with an album produced by members of Metric, it is now their time.
Singer/bassist Jordan Miller is the lynchpin. She can wail but tends to keep it subtle. The songs swing from slinky to punk. The Beaches are at their best when delivering sheer hooks caked in attitude. That’s what made “Money” such a perfect single. The simple, understated guitar hook works its way into your brain, and it’s topped with a punchy chorus. The Beaches can write songs. Most are credited to the four band members. Some bands are afraid to showcase candy-coated hooks, but The Beaches have the confidence for it. The hooks are paired with biting rock guitars, keeping the edges sharp. They never let the pacing slip, and they keep things fun. It’s right there in the lyrics to “T-Shirt”: “Don’t take me so serious. I just like to make a fuss.”
There are plenty of tunes that pack the goods. “Gold” has a knack for sticking. Even the slower tunes like “Highway 6” and “Back of My Heart” have an unexpected catchiness. “Keeper” is a like a blast from the late 80s, and “Sweet Life” is a jolt of caffeine at the end.
Get some Beaches into your life.
3.5/5 stars


I like this type of thing.
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Me too. I wanted this on vinyl but could not find one.
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I can sell it to you mine if you want
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No need but thanks
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I like that line about she Can wail but keeps it subtle – I admire those performers who aren’t always in ‘look what i can do’ mode but bring it out when appropriate!
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I think the Beaches aim to have fun. As long as it’s fun it’s the Beaches! I think their image is a great example. They just like to put on funky clothes and hit the stage. It’s entertainment without pretense.
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Produced by members of Metric…but it isn’t Metric, right??
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No Metric and they don’t actually sound anything like Metric. But the Metric people did help them make a great sounding album.
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Interesting, don’t ask me what exactly but there’s something about this band I like.
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Not to be confused with Beaches! But yes, this lot are good… I’ve enjoyed what I’ve heard and I’ll check this one out!
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I don’t know what it is about them that I really like, but I think it’s attitude. They just really seem genuine and, I say it again, fun!
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