The Beths is an exciting Indie Rock group from New Zealand. I became familiar with their music reading Max’s blog at PowerPop. This is the second song to appear from them here after Happy Unhappy. I am still in the early – discovery stage of their music, but I like what I have heard so far. They produce hip and breezy alternative music.
Today’s featured song – Expert in a Dying Field is an exemplar of why I find them so appealing. The music video below cleverly delivers their message. It’s homely, intimate, transparent, unusual, witty and engaging. Frankly, it’s just a breath of fresh air to see young talented music artists holding a candle up to older generations. The finale of the song from 3:00 is bold and stunning.
Expert in a Dying Field is the title track from The Beths third studio album released on 16 September 2022. It received acclaim from music critics.
[Verse 1]
Can we erase our history?
Is it as easy as this?
Plausible deniability
I swear I’ve never heard of it
And I can close the door on us
But the room still exists
And I know you’re in it
[Verse 2]
Hours of phrases I’ve memorized
Thousands of lines on the page
All of my notes in a desolate pile
I haven’t touched in an age
And I can burn the evidence
But I can’t burn the pain
And I can’t forget it
[Chorus]
How does it feel (How does it feel)
To be an expert in a dying field?
And how do you know (How do you know)
It’s over when you can’t let go?
As a librarian, I feel this song haha
The group principally consists of lead vocalist Elizabeth Stokes, guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck. Elizabeth Stokes and Jonathan Pearce originally met in high school, and they met both Benjamin Sinclair and Ivan Luketina-Johnston when all four attended classes at the University of Auckland, studying jazz. The Beths were formed in late 2014.
The band is known for its use of vocal harmony, using the voices of all four band members. Members of the band have cited Alvvays and Bully as inspirations for their work. The former group has already featured here.
Reference:
1. Expert in A Dying Field – The Beths – Wikipedia
2. The Beths – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I really like the song and the meaning behind it. It’s a good band and I hope they hit big. Thanks for the shoutout Matt!
I’m sure glad I read your blog post on them. I found another one from them I like called ‘Whatever’. It’s a good music video too. Cheers Max.