‘Running Away’ is a buzz of musical intensity and hopeful, absorbing lyrics. The music is simple enough to be supremely catchy, without being overly formulaic. Even the most vigorous snare fills are laid back. His chilled style is fun to watch, especially as other band members go full pelt for songs such as ‘Uptown Girl’. Drummer Tristan Deck has been a wonderful addition to the band’s line-up. Their cohesive harmonic singing is perfect during ‘River Run: Lvl 1’. They shine bright during lively song performances. Still appearing endearingly awkward in between songs, despite coming to the end of a massive tour. The band is a wholesome experience from start to finish. All blame lays on the engineer for this subdued sound though, and in spite of this, the show is fun and the sound issues are mostly resolved a few songs in. Jonathan Pearce’s peppy guitar solo in ‘Whatever’ also has to be seen as an interpretive dance. You are left to imagine the sound via the visual aid of frontwoman Elizabeth Stokes’ dynamic guitar strumming during the song’s finale. It destroys the explosive energy put into the live version of the title track, played as the opener tonight. However, the first tracks tonight miss out a lot of the guitar, with the sound engineer opting instead for a thumping kick drum.

The Beths’ debut album Future Me Hates Me is fast and electric. It is the perfect reviewing vantage point, just outside of the ‘no go zone’ staircase patrolled by the bouncer. Managing to find a corner at the top of the stairs, we have a clear view of the whole scene, the stage and audience. We arrive a little later than most and the crowd is already one pensive mass of energy and anticipation. Gorilla is sold out for The Beths tonight.

The beths uptown girl video