The Beaches Bring Blame My Ex to Seattle

We were thrilled heading to Neumos on this Friday night to catch The Beaches headlining their second sold-out show of Blame My Ex tour, which started in Seattle. The Beaches formed in 2013 by sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel. In 2017 they released their debut album, Late Show, which earned them the win for the 2018 Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Notably the album was produced by Emily Haines and James Shaw of Metric, how can it not be great?

The opening band would be just as intriguing as the main act serving major headliner vibes. Boyish have been making their way in the indie world and I want to say that this is going to be a major year for them. The group currently consists of lead vocalist India Shore, vocalist and guitar player Claire Altendahl. The band has already been seasoned well in touring opening for King Princess last year in Europe and then releasing a single together called, “Kill Your Pain.”

Shore‘s silky vocals and low lighting created a mystical atmosphere that made the audience focus on the depth of her voice and sound. Altendahl matched the same energy interacting with Shore and the crowd. We enjoyed listening to “Superstar,” “Congratulations,” “Legs,” and their biggest hit, “F*ck You Heather,” which we all screamed to show our support against Heather. This band has so much ahead of them and we can’t wait to catch them back in town soon.

It was time for the Beaches to take the stage and in the distance next to the merch stand we could see a neon sign illuminated with the words Blame My Ex in support of their second album and tour. This record was co-produced by the talented Gus Van Go and Lowell and we can’t stop listening to it. The catchy single “Blame Brett,” was based on lead singer Jordan Miller‘s breakup and it’s such a clever way to promote and market an album. Tell me you’re going to listen to that song and not keep singing the words, ‘Blame my ex, blame my ex, blame my ex!”

The energy was high as the band took the room and spun us up like the Tasmanian Devil. You could just tell they were having a great time doing what they love and fresh ready to tour. First songs were, “T-Shirt,” “Me & Me,” and “Grow Up Tomorrow,” as fans showed their adoration by singing along. The band was in great spirits with Earl constantly joking around and telling stories to the fans as they attentively listened. Jordan took the opportunity during a break to ask the crowd what beer people enjoy in the city, and everyone replied Rainier. She said cheers to all and continued with “Shower Beer.”

Their main set ended with “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid,” “Everything is Boring,” and hit, “Blame Brett.” There was so much build up to all of this and it seemed like the room exploded with force during the last song after patiently waiting for their part in the show. This was a highlight and a memorable moment.

The Beaches returned for their encore with upbeat, “Kismet,” and as the lights flashed, and they were running into us we didn’t want the night to end. We can see why there’s so much buzz around this band and we’re sure when they return the venue will be bigger. We do get to catch them again soon enough as they open for Girl In Red this May at the Paramount. Another show you DON’T want to miss.