The Beths - Straight Line Was A Lie (Album Review)
Friday, 05 September 2025
Written by Jack Press
Photo: Frances Carter
The Beths have emerged from their longest creative gap with an album that transforms personal struggle into artistic breakthrough. Following Elizabeth Stokes’ battles with Graves’ disease and SSRI-induced writer’s block, ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’ is at once a document of recovery and self-discovery, and a collection of indie-rock bangers. Ultimately, it’s proof that overcoming creative obstacles can yield unexpected rewards.
The album’s title track establishes its central philosophy immediately: progress isn’t linear. Over infectious power-pop arrangements, Stokes confesses: “I thought I was getting better / but I’m back to where I started.”
Transforming cyclical setbacks into anthemic acceptance, it’s a mission statement that resonates throughout the record’s 10 tracks.
Equally noticeable here is a newfound sense of restraint and spatial awareness. Where previous efforts felt full to bursting, these songs breathe naturally. Til My Heart Stops demonstrates this perfectly, as percussion steps forward to drive momentum before seamlessly retreating, while layered harmonies and fall effortlessly.
The Beths’ vocal arrangements remain their secret weapon. Rather than simply doubling melodies, Stokes, guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck weave harmonies that serve each song’s emotional core. Mosquitoes blooms from sparse acoustic vulnerability into full-band euphoria, while No Joy somehow makes antidepressant numbness feel communal and cathartic.
Ark of the Covenant takes listeners on an Indiana Jones-inspired adventure to confront personal fears, while Mother, Pray for Me explores intergenerational immigrant trauma with uncommon sensitivity. These aren’t just clever pop songs — they’re emotional excavations set to irresistible melodies. ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’ positions The Beths as masters of intelligent indie-pop, creating music that rewards both casual listening and deeper investigation.
The Beths Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed September 17 2025 - DUBLIN Button Factory
Thu September 18 2025 - DUBLIN Button Factory
Sat September 20 2025 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall
Sun September 21 2025 - GLASGOW SWG3
Mon September 22 2025 - LEEDS Project House
Wed September 24 2025 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Thu September 25 2025 - BIRMINGHAM XOYO
Fri September 26 2025 - LONDON Roundhouse
Sat September 27 2025 - BRIGHTON Chalk
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