Following the success of their infectious debut album, 2018's Future Me Hates Me, New Zealand indie rockers the Beths found themselves trading their day jobs and the close-knit Auckland music scene for 18 months of near-constant touring. That included opening slots for the likes of Girl Friday, Pixies, and Death Cab for Cutie. Written between tours and recorded in late 2019 and early 2020 (again with guitarist Jonathan Pearce producing), the follow-up, Jump Rope Gazers, was heavily inspired by trying to maintain friendships from thousands of miles away. Bandleader Elizabeth Stokes has noted that even when they were at home, she was at an age where friends were scattering all over the world. The resulting set of songs takes on a yearning, more reflective point of view that makes room for slower tempos. While the energy level is a little less raucous -- at least on average -- fans of Future Me Hates Me will be glad to hear that it's still crammed with catchy hooks and Stokes' endearing self-consciousness. Songs like the wistful title track and "You Are a Beam of Light" venture into poignant balladry not present on the debut. The latter song, in particular, relies mainly on folk-style guitar picking and vocal harmonies for accompaniment to the singer's vulnerable, empathetic lead ("You are a beam of light/Maybe that's why your battery runs dry"). Even with tracks like these and more-mid-tempo rockers, Jump Rope Gazers isn't without its share of jammers. Among them is the urgent opening track, "I'm Not Getting Excited," which delves into the anxiety of imposter syndrome with buzzy guitars, crashing cymbals, starts and stops, and a wide-ranging melody. Another up-tempo outing, "Dying to Believe," struggles with communication and conversation, while the noodling "Out of Sight" offers unconditional support ("If your world collapses/I'll be down in the rubble/I'd build you another"). Filled with bouncy riffs, sweet harmonies, anxiety, and kindness, Jump Rope Gazers confirms that the Beths are good at slower, more reflective songs, too, though there's plenty of spark to carry listeners through.
© Marcy Donelson /TiVo