The Beaches

The Beaches rocked out to a sold-out show at Webster Hall in New York City on Monday, September 29th. The all-female Canadian rock band has had a whirlwind year balancing their ongoing tour with standout performances at major music festivals including Coachella, Governors Ball, Osheaga, and All Things Go DC. Comprised of lead vocalist and bassist Jordan Miller, guitarist and backing vocalist Kylie Miller, guitarist and backing vocalist, drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel, and backing vocalist and keyboardist-guitarist Leandra Earl, the quartet’s blend of pop, rock, alternative rock, and new wave has delighted audiences worldwide, earning them back-to-back Juno Awards in 2024 and 2025.

Most of the evening’s setlist drew from their third studio album, No Hard Feelings, released this past August. The record explores the raw realities and imperfections of love, heartbreak, guilt, and queerness, offering a personal and empowering glimpse into the band’s personal evolution.

The Beaches opened with the explosive hit “Last Girls At The Party,” which had the audience belting out the lyrics word-for-word. Webster Hall itself seemed to shake as fans jumped in unison to the beat, sending a euphoric rumble through the upper floor. 

Several fan favorites from their previous album Blame My Ex also made the setlist, including “Me & Me” and “Cigarette.” “Me & Me” challenges the societal expectation that romantic relationships are life’s ultimate goal, instead celebrating the freedom and fulfillment found in one’s own company. “Cigarette,” meanwhile, delves into sapphic desire with raw honesty, as the narrator expresses forbidden attraction, “Honey, I don't care what your parents said,” that feels both defiant and irresistible. Through sounds like these, The Beaches capture unapologetic emotion and self-agency, delivering an encouraging message to embrace authenticity and live boldly, regardless of judgement. 

The band’s performance conveyed their confident and carefree spirit. Jordan, Kylie, and Leandra were constantly in motion, swapping places, interacting playfully, and even walking up to the top platform to join Eliza on drums. The stage felt like their personal playground, unbound by rules or restraint. It was clear they were reveling in the moment performing with pure joy and uninhibited freedom.

Next, the band invited an audience member onstage to “overshare,” introducing their fiancée and expressing how much they meant to them. In a heartwarming surprise, they proposed right then and there, with the band joining in to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Moments like these, where fans become part of the show, highlight The Beaches’ genuine warmth and the deep sense of community they foster at their concerts.

The raw and angsty tracks “Dirty Laundry” and “Can I Call You in the Morning?” followed, both drawn from the band’s real-life experiences. While the songs share themes of frustration and relational tension, they approach them from different emotional angles. “Dirty Laundry” is unabashedly confrontational, calling out an ex’s wrongdoings with biting honesty, “I’m sorry, but you made this mess / It’s your dirty laundry.” In contrast, the punk-rock track “Can I Call You in the Morning?” captures the chaos of emotional repression and sudden release, pairing regret with vulnerability in the aftermath of the outburst. Together, they offer a candid exploration of human imperfection and the volatility of messy relationships.

The night took a sentimental turn with “Lesbian Of The Year.” Before performing, Leandra opened up to the crowd about her journey of self-discovery, sharing how she hadn’t come out until about five years ago. The song she explained, communicates the shame and regret of not knowing herself sooner. On a brighter note, she spoke about the support she received from her bandmates, her best friends, and allies while writing it. Leandra also expressed gratitude to fans who had shared their own coming-out stories, reflecting, “I feel like we’re all on this journey together and you make me feel so loved and seen.”

“Blame Brett” the band’s 2023 breakout hit was undoubtedly one of most anticipated songs of the night. As the opening chords rang out, the crowd ignited with thunderous cheers for the catchy breakup anthem. It was a triumphant display of how far The Beaches have come in just two years, playing with palpable pride and the confidence of a band reaching new heights.

The group closed the night with a reprise of “Last Girls At The Party” fittingly illustrating the song’s spirit as they ended on a celebratory high note. Their passionate energy and camaraderie left a lasting impression, proving that The Beaches aren’t slowing down anytime soon. With their hard-hitting sound and fearless authenticity, the band continues to inspire fans to live their truth—and have fun doing it.

Words and photos: Aubrey Miller