The Beths – Roundhead Studios: Infinity Session: August 15, 2025
Two weeks out from release day, The Beths bravely went where many bands refuse to go these days…performing unreleased songs online.
This is what I love about Auckland…one minute you can be covered in goo after watching the grandkids, the next, you’re being entertained by the country’s #1 indie rock band in a room with about 80 other people.
That’s what happened last night as I drove past Roundhead Studios at about 8pm.
I knew Neil Finn’s Infinity Sessions had just started a few days earlier with live, streamed sets by Neil and Don McGlashan, and was hoping I might be able to catch at least one of these shows.
But funds being what they are, it seemed unlikely.
Fortunately, the skies opened up and a ticket became available at the last minute (thanks again Silke!) and I was privileged to be one of 80 audience members crammed into the “intimate” space that The Beths would perform in.
For the uninformed… these sessions are taking place over two weeks, and as the press release says, they are meant to…“Make Us Feel Good About Life” (MUFGAL)…
Artists signed up are: Neil Finn, The Beths, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Don McGlashan, Tom Scott, Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi, Tiny Ruins and LEAO along with newly announced: Lawrence Arabia, Delaney Davidson, Vera Ellen, CHAII, Motte, Jazmine Mary, Chelsea Prestiti, Sarvi, Joe Kaptain, Hun Lynch and Nganeko
Very impressive.
So, when I weaseled my way in, opening act Chelsea Prestiti was just wrapping up. The room looked intimidating…crowded and hot…but I soon found out there was actually plenty of room…but it was still hot. It didn’t help that I was bundled up for an Auckland winter night…note to self…next time use the coat check.
The vibe was loose and casual…drink tokens were on offer and band members mingled carelessly with us mortals.
When we all returned to the performance area, I dutifully headed for the back…being taller than most…and found the vibe to be very much like the old Wine Cellar. The only thing missing was Rowan behind the sound board.
Although Charlotte Ryan had been conducting on-line interviews and other “hosting” duties, it was the Rt Honourable Chlöe Swarbrick, Green Party co-leader, who greeted us. Fresh from being kicked out of Parliament, Chloe offered no apologies, but rather expressed her passionate support to free Palestine. Unlike Wellington, Auckland took to her views much more positively.
There are those who prefer to keep politics and music separate, but music is art and art can and should reflect society. I, for one, was happy to see so many engaged people…young and old…making their feelings known.
Now…on to the music.
The Beths are due to release their fourth studio album, Straight Line Is A Lie, on August 29th. A few tracks have been heard either as singles or from the stage.
Tonight the band debuted four new song live and performed another three, giving fans, both here at Roundhead and anywhere where streamers stream a chance to hear a good chunck of the new album.
There are many acts who refuse to perform new songs before they are released, citing the many audience-generated uploads to YouTube. I’m not sure what they are a afraid of, and obviously neither are The Beths.
The band was is fine form and the sound was excellent.
Among the new songs, a standout was Mother, Pray For Me, an emotional ballad that was a solo performance by Elizabeth Stokes.
Elsewhere, the band rocked out on a mix of old and new faves like Uptown Girl, Little Death and Expert In A Dying Field. Tacked on to the end, and not on the setlist, was Take, another live debut.
That one extra song may have been one too many as a fire alarm could be heard as the band finished.
We were dutifully (and safely) ushered outside, happy to be breathing the cool nighttime air and still buzzing from the set we saw.
And in classic Kiwi fashion, the four members of The Beths were out on the street with us, taking it all in stride.
These Infinity Sessions are a great initiative and seeing acts like The Beths, Neil Finn and Don McLashan in such an intimate space is a real treat.
I’m guessing there are still tickets available for some shows. See the link below…or just watch from home!
Marty Duda
The Beths setlist:
- Straight Line Was A Lie
- No Joy
- Silence Is Golden
- Future Me Hates Me
- Metal (debut)
- When You Know You Know
- Mother, Pray For Me (debut)
- Out Of Sight
- Knees Deep
- Uptown Girl
- Mosquitos
- Roundabout (debut)
- Jump Rope Gazers
- Little Death
- I’m Not Getting Excited
- Expert In A Dying Field
- Take (debut)
Tune into The INFINITY SESSIONS a LIVE STREAM. 10 NIGHTS over 2 weeks 13th -17th of August & 20th – 24th August from 7.30pm NZT on Youtube / Facebook Live. Final tickets available for fans https://tinyurl.com/46a9v2hf
