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Album of the Week: The Beths, 'Jump Rope Gazers'

The Beths, 'Jump Rope Gazers'
The Beths, 'Jump Rope Gazers'Carpark Records

by David Safar

July 13, 2020

The Beths have been one of the most promising up and coming acts coming out of New Zealand. Their debut album caught the attention of critics for their fresh take on indie pop and their undeniably catchy lyrics. For their second studio album, Jump Rope Gazers, The Beths pour their energy into 10 songs that touch on coming of age and reflect on leaving home following the band's breakout in 2018.

Fronted by Elizabeth Stokes, the Kiwi quartet continue to embrace power pop with riff laden hooks you hear on the album's lead track, "I'm Not Getting Exciting," and the more midtempo "Out of Sight." Although it was recorded prior to the global pandemic, the album has a sense of cautious optimism that has become a touchstone of The Beths' songwriting since their debut. Ahead of the release of the new album, Jade connected with Elizabeth Stokes and Jonathan Pearce of The Beths for a conversation on the making of the new album and performance.