27/03/2026

The Beths – The Powerstation: March 26, 2026 (13th Floor Concert Review)

Both The Beths and their fans braved a torrential downpour to celebrate their latest album, Straight Line Was a Lie, at Auckland’s Powerstation.

Despite being under an “orange heavy rain warning” (note: great name for a song or even a band) the Powerstation was nearly packed for an early start that found openers Bub playing in front of a mostly-full house.

Sadly I didn’t get the memo and arrived just as they finished.

But the mood was downright joyful, and continued that way as Auckland’s finest four took the stage at 8:45 and got things going with the new album’s title track and…No Joy.

After a rousing Future Hates Me, Liz Stokes took a breath and announced, “We’re from Auckland, New Zealand…how are you?”

The answer…a little damp, but happy.

This had all the trappings of a homecoming show. In fact, Liz noted that it was in this very venue that she attended her school’s after-ball, an experience she called “terrible”.

Tonight it was all lollipops and roses.

I couldn’t help but notice the two young people behind the merch store who were dancing and singing to each other…they seemed to know every word to every song. And their joy was infectious…I saw a lot of folks walking around with new vinyl and T-Shirts.

And on stage, the band was as good…if not better…than I’ve ever seen them. And I’ve seem ‘em a lot…the last time just a few blocks away at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio.

Speaking of veteran Kiwi musicians, I saw a few Muttonbirds and Enz in the crowd, testimony to how good this band has become.

And they are truly a band. Sure Liz is the front-person and Jonathan plays a mean guitar…but Ben and Tristan more than hold their own. In fact Tristan’s cat may or may not have finally caught its first Beths’ gig.

The setlist focused on the new album, but hit all the sweet spots from the previous three including Happy Unhappy from Future Hates Me featuring one of Jonathan’s classic guitar rave ups.

The sound was perfect, the crowd was quiet when is needed to be (during Mother, Pray For Me) and celebratory all night long.

“It’s been plenty good…it’s a special gig” claimed Jonathan.

Indeed it was.

Marty Duda

The Beths play at Powerstation once more…tonight.

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Philip Chignell: