Everyone's favorite New Zealand double bill, The Beths and Phoebe Rings, stopped by Boston's Royale on the 1st and 2nd for two sold-out shows to kick off December right. Headliners The Beths released their latest album, Straight Line Was a Lie, in August, started their tour in September, and finished up their final handful of US shows on the East Coast in December. Fans of all ages trekked through the city's first snow and slush of the season for a chance to hear their favorite songs, spilling into the venue and directly into the coat check line. A backdrop on stage featured gorgeous illustrations similar to the papier-mâché-inspired, surrealist art by Lily Paris West on the album cover: deep green vines, radishes, and the band's name spelled out in little blue stars.

The indoor heat and sweet harmonies from opener Phoebe Rings warmed everyone up. The four-piece band boasted dream-pop anthems like "Daisy" and the title track of their debut album, released this year, Aseurai. Swooping melodies lulled the audience into a daze as the band incorporated the welcome addition of novel instruments, such as maracas, into its rich synth beats. They chatted with fans between songs, sharing their lobster roll orders: butter received applause, and mayo received some jokingly concerned responses from the audience. They serenaded Boston throughout the rest of their set, infusing the venue with smooth instrumentation and vocals.

Soon after, The Beths emerged ready to rock, opening with the charged title track, "Straight Line Was A Lie." Catchy, distorted guitar hooks complemented lead vocalist Elizabeth Stokes' powerful, bright voice. The trend of layered harmonies planted earlier in the evening continued with their nostalgic melodies and punchy drum fills. The Beths filled their set was whimsy and fun. During the crunchy track "No Joy," guitarist Jonathan Pearce and bassist Benjamin Sinclair tapped their feet on a device that shot up clear recorders that looked like Jolly Ranchers. The addictive, rhythmic, talkative cadence of the song and tingly notes of the recorders propelled the set forward. They continued to play almost every track off their new album, a testament to how quickly fans embraced and loved their new material.

The Beths kept the energy high throughout the rest of the night, crafting cathartic and joyous show. The weaved fan-favorite originals with a timely cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." They returned for a one-song encore, officially satisfying the craving of fans who had been waiting 3 years to see them again since their last stop in the city. Make sure to catch The Beths live before their tour ends in April. Buy tickets here.