The Beths Return to Buffalo for Their 2026 U.S. Tour
The New Zealand-based band The Beths is back on tour across the States throughout the summer, and is putting on a show you don’t want to miss.
The Beths hit the road at the end of May and will be traveling around the country until July. Along for the tour is indie-rock artist Squirrel Flower, who is opening for the band every night. At some locations, the shows will even be co-headlined with the band Spoon.
For their fifth stop, The Beths played in Asbury Hall at Babeville. In the heart of downtown Buffalo, the former church is a breathtaking space, from the large open hall to the stained glass windows that instantly catch your eye. The venue was buzzing before the show even started, as fans mingled and meandered around to choose their seats or place on the floor and experience the concert how they wished. Up the staircases, the balcony was also open for a full-scale view, making it possible to take in the scene and music from above.
As Squirrel Flower took the stage, you could feel the immediate shift in the air as the crowd cheered and welcomed the artist. Her songs were met with an even higher amount of praise from the fans, as her voice carried beautifully beneath the tall ceilings. The rich and smooth tones matched her presence and personality; the lingering emotions in her lyrics reverberated throughout the space. Every musical choice she makes is intentional, raw, and real; from the imperfections to the melodic lines she allows to soar beside intriguing guitar parts.
Squirrel Flower’s set was over too soon, but as the lights dimmed and The Beths took the stage, the atmosphere was simply electric.
The stage was decorated with simple lamps that displayed every color imaginable, creating a light show that captivated and highlighted all the musicians. Behind the band sat a large banister adorned with flowers, vines, stars, and numerous colors. If I had to put the band’s music to imagery, the art on the banister was exactly what I would picture.
From the moment they struck their first chord, and until they set down their instruments and retire for the night, the group was of one mind, completely in sync and in tune. Their skills and musicianship are undeniable, as individuals and as an ensemble. Throughout their entire set, each member was dialed in to every note and lyric of every song, and equally dedicated to performing for the fans and patrons who have supported them.
Featuring songs from across all of their albums to date, including songs from “Expert In A Dying Field” and their most recent album release, “Straight Line Was A Lie”, The Beths move through their set with ease. Whether they were slowing down or picking up the pace, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands, singing along and dancing to their favorite songs.
The Beths keep you on your toes, too, as they belt sweet-sounding harmonies and soloistic riffs and moments. You can see the chemistry and hear the passion in the music they make, which is a tone they set and maintain for the entirety of the show. Even as they break out in a chorus of recorders, the love they have for music is felt in the energy they bring to the stage.
Their songwriting and compositions are a perfect blend of genres, styles, and their own personal tastes. Each song–whether they are rocking on with the group or whether it’s just singing with an acoustic guitar—is crafted carefully, with pure intentions and emotions behind each note. The group’s mostly up-tempo music, coupled with introspective lyrics, draws you in, making you feel uplifted in a bittersweet way.
The dedication to their craft and love for their fans is unmatched, which was lovely to experience firsthand. Between songs and during a few changes, their crowd work was personal and authentic, and being able to bring together an entire audience the way that The Beths do, with some laughs along the way, was remarkable.
If The Beths are coming to a city near you, or you are looking for a summer vacation with a little travel, check out their touring schedule on their website www.thebeths.com, and follow along their socials through their link tree(linktr.ee/thebethsnz) or their Instagram @thebeths. Lastly, and arguably most importantly, check out bassist Ben Sinclair’s blog as they tour, www.breakfastandtravelupdates.com. If you can catch this lovely group on tour, get tickets while you still can, and you will certainly be in for a treat.
