Best Coast

photos + show review by ava butera

// Thalia Hall 3.11.20

Amid the craziness in the world and the pandemonium within the music industry that hit just hours after Best Coast’s show at Chicago’s Thalia Hall commenced, lead singer Bethany Cosentino and guitarist Bobb Bruno brought the California heat to the everlasting midwest winter with their electrifying show. I’d been looking forward to this show from the moment Cosentino announced the lead single “For the First Time” on the band’s Instagram page. I’d been so excited and so much so that I didn’t even care that I was doing this show solo. BC fans are fun and I knew the band would put on a fantastic set, and that they did.

     Before I could have Best Coast’s magical presence grace my eyes, openers Mannequin Pussy were up first and opened their set somewhat somberly, but not long before vocalist and guitarist Marisa Dabice slide her guitar off and instantly was overtaken by her flailing and wildly dancing body, as she screamed lyrics into the mic and encouraged a friendly mosh pit to ensue. I definitely had memories of seeing Bikini Kill last fall with Dabice’s stage presence. The entirety of Mannequin Pussy though was truly captivating and threw themselves into the music, while each member furiously played their respective instruments - it seemed as if each were in their own world, while still connecting with the crowd. It was amazing.

     Shortly after, Best Coast waltzed onto the stage with Fleetwood Mac’s glittery “Little Lies” blaring in the background. The band slowly jammed into the first track, which was “California Nights.” With Beth’s hair blowing in the wind (that’s how it looked, but it was just a fan) and Bobb’s too, along with the melodic and atmospheric track playing I instantly felt like I was being transported to a ~California night~. The band then transitioned into “Different Light” and “Wreckage” - both songs from Always Tomorrow - to which the crowd was ultimately pleased. Between Beth’s tambourine playing on these tracks and the crowd’s funky dancing, I could tell everyone was having a good time. A little later in the set Best Coast played some older songs like “Crazy for You”, “The Only Place”, and “Goodbye.” In between songs, Beth took the time to chat with the audience and even thanked them for ‘coming out during this craziness’ (keep in mind this was prior to city ordinances and mandatory quarantines). Not before long they played some of my favorites like “Feeling Ok” and “Everything Has Changed” and finally closed their set with their most famous track, “Boyfriend.” 

     I’d usually end my live reviews by telling you to go see the band on tour, but Best Coast’s tour unfortunately got postponed due to the increased safety measures surrounding Covid-19. So I’m urging you to support Best Coast and bands like BC that had to cancel crucial spring tours, which are huge chunks of an artist’s income. Buy merch, stream music nonstop, share music on social media, buy records. Indie bands really need our help more than ever, Best Coast included!