Gallery & Review: Crashing Out Over Situationships with The Beaches in Antwerp
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY IVONA HOMICIANU ☆
LAST WEDNESDAY, THE BEACHES KICKED OFF THEIR SUMMER TOUR WITH A SOLD OUT HEADLINE SHOW IN ANTWERP—On a stage set specifically for the summer, the band performed in the gorgeous park Rivierenhof. Drinks and laughs were overflowing as people gathered around the amphitheater setting in what felt like a garden party in a show they wouldn’t forget.
The Beaches are a Canadian four-piece band that have been together for over a decade. Recently, the band saw their career soar with a name drop in the Prime Video show Off Campus. They received over an 888 percent rise in their streams as their song “Edge of the Earth” graced everyone’s screens.
When The Beaches appeared on stage, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. The energy was filled with excitement as they began their set with the iconic “Takes One To Know One.” This is the song that best represents The Beaches’ dynamics within the band. This was the one that began the No Hard Feelings era, and given the release of the deluxe edition of the record, it felt fitting to begin this potential last run of shows by going back to the start.
After flowing directly into “Touch Myself,” they prefaced their progress into “Did I Say Too Much?” with an essential question: “Who here is going through a bad situationship, or has been through one?” The word “situationship” was the center point. It came back a few times over the duration of the set. Since their album and its deluxe edition contain mainly break up songs that show the consequences to one’s self-esteem, it made sense. Their show can be a cathartic experience for those who have had to experience the horrors of modern dating.
That isn’t to say they don’t contain multitudes. “Grow Up Tomorrow,” a track off their debut album Late Show (2017), is a constant on their setlist and talks of being an adult dirtbag. “T-Shirt” from the same album also made a return. Three of the band members even had a synchronized dance. Despite the meteoric rise of their career, they showed they’re not forgetting their beginnings.
The “Jocelyn” bit was present as it is with every concert. Walking the barricade, vocalist Jordan Miller designates a special fan and adorns them with a sash, giving them a hug and singing the bridge of the song to them. It’s a heartwarming moment that shows the importance of their connection to the fans.
With the release of the deluxe album came the performance of all the songs on the extended edition—“Perfect 10,” “Should’ve Known Better” and “Hypothetical.” Although the album was released earlier this month, the excitement of the fans was still very much present. “Hypothetical” in particular made the crowd jump and sing at the top of their lungs. They prefaced the song by saying: “the love of your life should never make you feel like a hypothetical,” a reminder to practice self-love and respect.
Their discography is open-hearted, so it isn’t a surprise that they’d be the same on stage. Back in February during their European tour, guitarist Leandra Earl shared that she was going through a break-up and crying everyday. Now, she shared that she’s drinking and having the time with her best friends. It feels that we’re watching their lives unfold, which brings a humane connection between the listeners and the band.
Most of their set makes the crowd dance and sing loudly, however there’s a break in that energy with “Lesbian of The Year.” The band chose to perform the acoustic version which was also on the deluxe, which allows for the emotional depth of the song to settle. With this song, they unveiled a new tradition—bringing three lesbians from the crowd on stage, asking them why they should be “Lesbian of the Night.” It’s a funny and interactive part with their community, and an important way to show support to the LGBTQ+ community in these times.
“Edge of the Earth” was the star of the night given its appearance in Off Campus. The energy reached a high with everyone singing at the top of their lungs. Somehow, the combined voices of the audience seemed louder than the speakers.
As the song ended, a countdown started which left the audience on the opposite side of speechless. It was time for “Last Girls at the Party.” It’s a spectacular progression in their setlist as the anthemic single brought out even more energy.
As the night slowly neared and the sun was setting, it felt like the night was just getting started—they’re not the last girls at the party for nothing. with the last song before the encore being their hit “Blame Brett,” they got the crowd to chant “Don’t blame me, blame Brett.” They mentioned earlier in the concert how they had the most fun with Belgian crowds, and the feeling was mutual. By the end, no one was sitting down.
What is special about The Beaches is that while they received an immense propulsion in their career, they haven’t changed the way they perform. They have the skill of making fans feel seen. They seem appreciative of the exchange of energy that occurs during a concert. There isn’t a band I’d recommend more if you want an unforgettable feeling that lingers long after seeing them put on a show.
