It's funny being based in Canada, I’d never come across The Beaches before. At first I thought it was an unusual name for a girl band, and then the penny dropped.... or at least I think it did. This band radiates a potent energy that immediately brings to mind The Parlotones and their incredible album Stardust Galaxies. There’s a palpable sense of creative vitality throughout their music, an energy that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. The result is a tour-de-force album that grabs your attention from start to finish, brimming with infectious hooks, driving rhythms, and a raw, compelling edge that makes you sit up and take notice.

I hate to be that old fart, waving a warning flag about the explicit nature of many of the tracks, but yes, this is probably not an album you’d want playing around smaller ears. Then again, maybe it’s a sign of the times, and those little ears have already heard it all before. This is definitely an album with more adult sensibilities, exploring mature themes and experiences. That said, it never feels explicit just for shock value. The content is grounded in real-life adult themes and genuine reactions. OK, off my soapbox.

The album opens strongly with "Can I Call You", immediately kicking things off with a surge of energy and attitude. From the first notes, it’s clear the band isn’t holding anything back, driving rhythms, bold vocals, and a confident, infectious energy set the tone for what’s to come. It’s the kind of opener that grabs your attention and lets you know this album is going to be a dynamic, full-throttle ride from start to finish.

The first hints of The Parlotones’ influence come through on "Did I Say Too Much". It strikes a perfect balance between a driving beat, thumping drums, and compelling vocals, resulting in an absolute cracker of a track. The energy is infectious, the hooks are immediate, and it’s the kind of song that makes you want to hit replay the moment it ends.

There’s more magic in the making with "Sorry For Your Loss". Once again, it’s a fantastic track, and I can already tell I’m going to struggle to keep coming up with fresh superlatives to describe just how good this album is. Then again, that’s probably my own fault for attempting a track-by-track breakdown, but really, each song seems to outdo the last, making it impossible not to get swept up in the album’s momentum.

It’s no surprise that "Touch Myself" dives into more mature territory, but this isn’t shock for shock’s sake. The lyrics feel real, honest, and even a little biting, which makes them impossible not to admire. I usually avoid quoting lyrics, but I had to highlight the brutal honesty of “Don’t need no batteries. ’Cause the strap’s in the trash with my self-esteem.” The whole track is full of gems like that, clever and raw, making it one of those songs you can’t stop thinking about.

"Fine, Let’s Get Married" is a track where the heart clearly overrides the head, or maybe it’s just a complete lack of common sense. Amid a swirl of fighting, red flags, and little optimism for the future, it's all delivered with an infectious beat you can’t help but tap along. It’s like a camera obscura capturing someone else’s disastrous choices, simultaneously compelling, wry, and impossible to look away from.

The camera obscura is still very much at work on "Take One To Know One", giving us a peek into yet another relationship that probably deserves a well-placed dose of TNT. The song unfolds amid a constant back-and-forth of ego and one-upmanship, and you can’t help but feel grateful to be the spectator rather than a participant. The band nails that mix of sharp observation and biting humour, making the drama almost entertaining from a safe distance.

And ever onward, in an album that rarely lets up on its drive, passion, and keen observations, comes "I Wore You Better". The sentiment will likely resonate with anyone who’s felt the sting of a breakup, but here it’s complicated by an element of sexual experimentation, leaving one party feeling hurt and used. Yet the band delivers it all with a vitriolic, one-finger rock salute, raw, unapologetic, and impossibly compelling.

And the vitriol continues with "Dirty Laundry", but delivered so seductively, it's hard to feel the anger. It's talk of someone leaving an emotional mess in their wake and leaving the other party to deal with it and that person saying F.U. If only all F.Us were this welcoming.

There’s a brief respite with "Lesbian of the Year", which offers a more relaxed vibe and introspective, biographical lyrics. There’s a sense of a later sexual realisation, set against the pressure of societal expectations to “find the one.” The track leans on a subtle electro beat, giving it a different texture from much of the rest of the album. This change of style and pace is a welcome breath of fresh air, adding nuance and depth to the overall listening experience.

With "Jocelyn", I can't help but be reminded of Wayne’s World, "I’m Not Worthy, I’m Not Worthy". The song carries a touch of self-loathing, reflecting that all too familiar struggle of not fully seeing the good qualities someone else sees in you. It’s a relatable sentiment that almost everyone has experienced at some point, and the band captures it with both honesty and a subtle, wry touch, while at the same time giving it a rocking beat.

The album closes with "Last Girls At The Party" and right from the opening notes, you can feel the band kicking back and having a blast. The vocals remain as strong and compelling as throughout the rest of the album, and the brief moments of the band singing in unison sprinkled throughout the track are a real treat. It’s a playful, celebratory finale that leaves you smiling, capturing the camaraderie and joy that underpins much of the album’s energy.

In the end, this album is a whirlwind of energy, honesty, and unfiltered emotion. The Beaches manage to balance raw attitude with sharp observations, weaving between playful defiance, biting humour, and moments of real vulnerability. Every track brings something memorable, whether it’s a lyric that cuts deep, a beat that demands you move, or a chorus that lingers long after it ends. It’s an album that doesn’t just showcase the band’s talent but their confidence in knowing exactly who they are. Bold, unrelenting, and impossible to ignore, this is The Beaches at their best.