Straight Line Was a Lie shows flashes of what The Beths are capable of, but never quite breaks through. The New Zealand group, led by Elizabeth Stokes, has built a reputation on sharp songwriting and energetic indie-pop. Their latest release carries some of these elements but few of them have the emotion to captivate. It’s a carefully constructed and well-performed record without much substance.

The album opens with its title track, a quick jolt of energy to set the pace. Upbeat and familiar, it’s a song that hypes a live crowd. “Mosquitos” follows, offering a welcome contrast. It begins softly, just an acoustic guitar and a memory, Stokes recalling a creek, a waterfall, eels swimming in shallow pools. The mood builds gently before ending with the chirp of birds, ending the song as softly as it began. It’s one of the record’s most affecting pieces, where the songwriting is fully grounded and alive as the life Stokes sings about.

Other highlights come in short waves. “Take” finds a strong groove, with tight interplay between guitar and drums, and a well-earned, encompassing climax. “Ark of the Covenant” leans into an atmospheric space as Stokes songwriting shines brightly. But for me, nothing hits harder than
“Mother, Pray for Me.” The guitar riff is playful, the vocals sit in a higher, almost childlike register, and the lyrics carry weight. “I want to know you and you to know me” feels simple on paper. Pairing it with lines other about grief and the simple emotion in her voice, it’s the most
impactful song on the record. The arrangement is beautiful and captivating. A song raw with emotion, from the lyrics to the composition.

The rest of the record doesn’t fall flat, it just doesn’t rise. Songs like “Metal” and “No Joy” are pleasant, but their edges are dulled. There’s craft in the sequencing, with loud moments balanced by quiet ones, but not enough variation in tone or structure to keep it interesting throughout. Many tracks blend into one another.

The Beth’s musicianship is tight, the production is clean, and the writing lands with a quiet ache. When the Beths lean into that vulnerability, they shine. Straight Line Was a Lie isn’t a misstep, but it isn’t a breakthrough either. It’s a well-made album with a handful of standouts.

pre-order Straight Line Was a Lie by The Beths HERE