The Beths Light Up the Palace Theatre

The Beths made their return to Minnesota last night, and it really felt like the crowd had been waiting for them. As soon as they walked onstage at the Palace Theatre and opened with the title track from their new album Straight Line Was a Lie, the whole room lit up. Everyone seemed locked in from the first notes you could tell St. Paul was genuinely happy to have them back.

Opening the night was Phoebe Rings, also from New Zealand. Their set was short but really powerful, with a certain charm and delicate indie sound built around dreamy synths. Lead singer Crystal Choi mentioned it was their first time in Minnesota and that the band had done some sightseeing, stating they’d definitely return. The crowd seemed to really take to them, and they set the tone nicely for the rest of the night.

Once the Beths got going, they moved smoothly between old favorites and new material. One of the big highlights for me was “Jump Rope Gazers.” During that song, I looked around and saw so many smiling faces singing along it felt like one of those classic live-music moments that sticks with you.

Elizabeth Stokes sounded great the whole set, her voice warm and clear and filling the entire theatre. Midway through the set the band left the stage and Stokes played “Mother, Pray for Me” that had the crowd hanging on every word. Jonathan Pearce’s guitar work was a standout too; his solos had this classic tone that really pulled you in and made you nod your head in approval without even thinking about it. You could tell the band knows each other incredibly well and genuinely enjoys playing together there was this easy, natural chemistry onstage that made the whole performance feel even better.

Tristan Deck’s drumming on “Little Death” was so tight and honestly jaw-dropping. The way he drove the song forward was impossible to ignore tight, energetic, and full of the kind of precision that makes you suddenly pay closer attention.

As the set went on, the band only got tighter and more emotional. By the end of the night, it felt like they’d built something special with the audience. It was one of those shows where you walk out feeling lucky you got to be there and already hoping they come back again soon.