The Beaches at Mercury Lounge [photos, review]

The Beaches are a Juno Award-winning Canadian rock band that has been around since 2013. The group is made up of sisters Jordan Miller (lead vocals/bass) and Kylie Miller (guitar) joined by Leandra Earl (keys and guitar) and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums). They are currently touring the United States and Canada in support of their independently-released second LP, Blame My Ex, on the aptly named Blame My Ex Tour. Their recent stop in New York City on October 17th found the band headlining a sold out late show at the Mercury Lounge.

The setlist understandably leaned heavily on songs from their latest release. In fact, all but one track from Blame My Ex was performed live. Other selections included songs from their debut LP, Late Show, as well as the End of Summer EP and The Professional EP.

Taking the stage wearing customized t-shirts emblazoned with variations of “Blame Brett,” the title of the album’s lead single, The Beaches displayed confidence and showmanship that one would expect from musical acts playing much larger venues. During any given song, it was common to see Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, or Leandra Earl assuredly stroll to the front of the stage and posture for the crowd. It was a wonder to behold as members of the band would bounce around and even perform some high kicks without missing a beat. Needless to say, all that energy spent on stage led to a very sweaty time; at one point, lead singer Jordan Miller donned a t-shirt that had been thrown on stage because all the perspiration had rendered her own t-shirt practically see-through.

The sold out crowd matched the band’s boundless energy, passionately singing along throughout the night. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing The Beaches perform for even larger audiences when they return to the New York area for a pair of headlining shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in March.

For a full photo gallery of The Beaches and opening act, The Thing, as well as The Beaches setlist, continue below.