Girl groups are due for a renaissance, and The Beaches are leading the charge.
In a world that fawns over boy bands, it’s a mystery that girl bands haven’t quite reached the same level of adoration in recent years. Maybe it’s because most fall back on a group of women sharing harmonies and stealing moments on the mic and on stage, whereas in male-dominated bands, every member has a role of their own to fill.
Canadian band The Beaches is the best of both worlds. Named after the Toronto neighbourhood they grew up in, The Beaches made a splash on the Canadian alt-rock scene two years ago with their hit single “Blame Brett.” They were awarded Group of the Year at the Junos in both 2024 and 2025 and took home Rock Album of the Year in 2024 for Blame My Ex. They’ve gone on to play at Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Osheaga. Another notch in their belts? Opening for The Rolling Stones.
If there’s anything to be learned from the success of “Blame Brett” and Blame My Ex, it’s that brutal honesty is rewarded. The intimate details of all the members’ lives and relationships are littered throughout this record. Fights, insecurities, breakups, self-identity—nothing is off limits.
First in the spotlight is guitarist Kylie Miller on the opening track “Can I Call You in the Morning?” as lead vocalist (and her sister) Jordan Miller recites her cutting words to her ex. This gloomy rock track is short and fun, setting the tone perfectly for the rest of the album.
On top of writing head-banging breakup songs, The Beaches excel at crafting anthems that feel right out of your favourite nostalgic movie. “Did I Say Too Much” and “Last Girls At The Party” pick up the tempo and invite you to let it all out—emotionally and then on the dance floor.
“Dirty Laundry” shifts away from the lingering angst in this record for a new approach. Jordan Miller is more experimental vocally here, supported by softer background vocals that have a choir’s touch.
One of the standouts is “Lesbian Of The Year,” a simultaneously heartwarming and tear-inducing ballad inspired by guitarist Leandra Earl’s coming out experience. Jordan Miller’s lower baritone helps deliver much of the angst on these songs, and this one is no exception. Her voice isn’t sweet like a pop star’s, and this track, album, and the band are better for it. With the instrumentals toned down to create a somber atmosphere, “Lesbian Of The Year” feels very much like a turning point on No Hard Feelings. It’s a song without which the album would feel incomplete.
A new name steals the spotlight on No Hard Feelings, and that’s Jocelyn. “Jocelyn” has an almost haunting melody, and it’s the band’s newfound fame, not an ex-lover, that haunts them here. Jocelyn—the name of at least one fan, says the band—is a stand-in for all the people who look up to them, namely after the release of “Blame Brett.” If you didn’t catch it on the nine preceding tracks, the girls have a message to relay: they’re just human, too.
There are no flashy guitar solos, no blaring drums, no techno twists. Just tasteful rock and a good time.
The Beaches will perform at Scotiabank Arena on November 6.