The Beths & Phoebe Rings

November 4, 2025 | Emo’s, Austin TX

It was an Auckland-meets-Austin night when The Beths headlined Emo’s, touring behind their fourth album, Straight Line Was a Lie. Released in August on ANTI- Records and once again self-produced, the album is filled with the usual concise hooks, restless guitars, and Elizabeth Stokes’ lyrics that undercut their brightness with quiet unease.

Opening were fellow New Zealanders Phoebe Rings, making their first Austin appearance on their first-ever U.S. tour. “We’re still a bit jet-lagged,” said singer and keyboardist Crystal Choi, who added, to the delight of the crowd, that they’d already made a stop at Buc-ee’s. Before “Fading Star,” she mentioned someone once described their sound as “sleepy disco.” It fits: ethereal synths, restrained beats, and melodies that floated throughout the venue. All around, a fitting opener to the headlining act of the night.

When The Beths walked on, they went straight into “Straight Line Was a Lie” and “No Joy.” The last time they played Austin, they were opening for Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service in 2023, bands that have perfected the “sad song that doesn’t sound like a sad song” delivery. The jangle of “No Joy” recalled the sunlit melancholy of Death Cab’s “No Sunlight,” but Stokes’ delivery was dryer, the humor sharper, the unease more self-aware.

Halfway through, the band paused to trade introductions and plug their tour blog, breakfastandtravelupdates.com, where they’ve documented every show (and meal) since 2019. They also joked about skipping the Austin barbecue this round, a practical move for anyone who has to sit in a tour bus for hours on end.

Stokes later played “Mother, Pray for Me” solo, a quiet moment that made the room stand still. The band returned for “Little Death,” “I’m Not Getting Excited,” “Expert in a Dying Field,” and “Take.” The songs were faster and leaner than their studio versions, ending the night on a high note.

Before leaving, Stokes thanked the crowd in their trademark dry humor: “We know you have Tuesday options. Thanks for choosing The Beths.” A small, perfect send-off from a band that never makes performing look effortless.

Words and photos: Victor Gonzalez