Above Image Via Josh McCann

By Josh McCann

Sometimes a Monday night can be really fun. This was the case last night when indie rock band The Beaches played to a packed crowd at the Roxian Theater. The all-female fronted group proved how great they are live. This is only the beginning for them.

Before the show, fans lined the block around the theater. Inside the venue, there was a line for merch (not a surprise). I bought my t-shirt and headed for the stage.

The Roxian is a cool space that feels intimate but also spacious. There’s a balcony upstairs with seats. The lower level has a small pit and is a few feet from the stage (that’s where I was). Behind the sound system is more space for the crowd, along with drink stands.

Moments before the show, I glanced behind me. The place was filled with fans. It looked sold out. Opening act Charlie Houston played a good set with her 3-piece band. Her vocals reminded me of Billie Eilish. The indie rock songs set a nice vibe for the show.

At 9pm the stage lights went dark. The place erupted with screaming fans. The Beaches walked out and started playing “Takes One To Know One.” Lead singer Jordan Miller wore black shorts, a black top, and a hat. The lights flashed as she threw her long hair back, the crowd shouted the lyrics.

Behind the band was a huge “The Beaches” sign that lit up in different colors throughout the show. The Canadian rock band wasn’t messing around!

“Thanks so much for coming to see us,” Miller told the crowd.

This was followed up with “My Body ft Your Lips.” Then it was “Me & Me” which kept the party going. You could feel the energy in the crowd. “Kismet,” one of my favorites off of “Blame My Ex,” was awesome to hear live. Drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel wore a white t-shirt and blue jeans. She kept a solid beat as the band ripped through the jam.

Up next was “Shower Beer.” This jam pumped up the crowd. “If A Tree Falls” was a highlight! Miller’s vocals sounded incredible. Guitarist Kylie Miller played a beautiful rhythm. She wore a white dress and stood on the amp near the end of the stage.

“They sound even better live,” a fan behind me said.

They have so much stage presence. Guitarist Leandra Earl wore a white t-shirt with black shades. She moved around the stage and played to the crowd. They also played “T-Shirt.” The very catchy sleek guitar riff had fans dancing. This was followed by “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid.” Miller waved her arms back and forth, the crowd followed along. Very cool moment.

Another highlight was when Leandra Earl went in the crowd and sang “Kincade.” Fans took pics, some tried to grab her, while she smiled back. All the while moving through the front of the crowd.

Their new single “Jocelyn” sounded great. “Edge of the Earth” was a big moment. Everyone was waiting for it. The crowd sang along to the chorus while Earl played an insane guitar solo that blasted through the Roxian Theater. The lights flashed. Huge ovation.

“This is the end of this tour that’s lasted a year,” Miller said. “We’re so happy that we got to stop in this very city.”

The show closed with their biggest hit single, “Blame Brett.” This sent the energy to a new level. Eliza pounded the drums while Miller sang with everything she had. Kylie and Leandra played loud and fast. This was the moment. The crowd shouted the lyrics with passion. The guitar distortion rang out, the band left the stage, and the crowd yearned for more.

After a few minutes they walked back out to a big applause.

“Cigarette” was the encore. The dance rock song had the crowd moving. They could have kept playing. But most of us had to work in the morning. The Beaches played an awesome live show. Something tells me we will be seeing them in a bigger venue next time around.