If you aren’t familiar, The Beaches are a Canadian rock band formed in 2013, consisting of Jordan and Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman McDaniel. In 2023, they released their second album, “Blame My Ex,” and embarked on a tour across Canada, the United States and Europe. “Blame My Ex” captures the raw and cathartic emotions of a breakup, portraying the journey from heartbreak to self-discovery. The album delves into the complexity of emotions and experiences associated with the end of a relationship and accepting that you are now single.
Album Overview
“Blame Brett” conveys the familiar feeling of protecting your heart after a breakup and recentering yourself in your life. The song explores the guarded and emotionally unavailable post-breakup mindset that some people adopt when a relationship ends. This song is an anthem for having commitment issues. You’ve been hurt before, so you’re not going to be vulnerable and develop feelings for another person, and this song perfectly captures that feeling.
Lyric Highlight: “I’m sorry in advance I’m only gonna treat you bad. I’m probably gonna let you down. I’m probably gonna sleep around.”
Have you ever felt like people are staring at you or as if you’re oversharing your feelings? Because The Beaches have a song for that. “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” conveys the feeling of social anxiety. The song leaves listeners with an anthem for the sullen and contemplative feeling of self-doubt, particularly in the wake of a breakup when you are finding yourself alone in social situations.
Lyric Highlight: “Ran up my minutes on my inner voice. She loves to bring up all my issues, God, she’s the bitch.”
After a breakup, one may embrace the feeling of being alone and a newfound joy in simply being by yourself. “Me & Me” celebrates this newfound feeling of peace and joy associated with being in one’s own company after a breakup. Whether it is eating by yourself or going home by yourself, “Me & Me” is about finding a sense of comfort in your solitude.
Lyric Highlight: “When I’m with myself, it’s honestly zen. Might as well be my girlfriend.”
“Edge of the Earth” narrates a passionate but tumultuous and fiery relationship between two women. Within the lyrics, you will see passion between people with fundamental differences (like her being a fire sign). Also noteworthy, Leandra and Jordan are both very openly queer and they felt it was important to include a queer storyline within this album.
Lyric Highlight: “I’m an addict. I’m addicted to her into me. She’s a magnet pulling me under the sheets. If I hold you too close, will the good things still grow?”
“My Body Ft Your Lips” is a duet about two people finding solace in a sexual encounter. As a higher-energy track on the album, “Kismit” captures the essence of a meet-cute, infused with references to destiny and fate. “Shower Beer,” is an anthem for the fear of missing out, and also encapsulates the tendency to go out to avoid life’s problems. The song reflects the relatable experience of seeking a temporary escape. Addressing the letdown and grief following the dissolution of a relationship, “If a Tree Falls” captures the emotional nuances that follow a breakup. Concluding the album on a hopeful note, “Cigarette” conveys the feeling of meeting someone new that excites you and makes you hopeful for the future.
Overall, the “Blame My Ex” album encapsulates relatable feelings of heartbreak, solitude and the journey towards self-discovery after a breakup. I would describe it best as that “oh, shit, I’m single” moment. The album beautifully navigates both the endings and new beginnings that arise from the complexities of relationships, and inevitably putting yourself back together again in the aftermath.
Live Performance
In October, I had the privilege of seeing The Beaches perform in Halifax as part of the “Blame My Ex Tour.” Their high-energy show, characterized by dynamic stage presence and silly antics, captivated audiences. From seeing Leandra play with a thong on the end of her guitar, to air kicks and dancing, you will be enthralled by their performance.