Watch Beach Slang Live at Baeble HQ
- 2017
- 16 min
Beach Slang Live at Baeble HQ is a concert film that captures a high-energy performance by the Philadelphia-based punk rock band at a studio recording space in Brooklyn, New York. The film, which was released in 2016, features Beach Slang delivering a 10-song setlist that showcases their unique brand of emotionally charged, anthemic punk rock.
The movie opens with a shot of the Baeble Music recording studio, where the intimate concert was held. The camera then cuts to the band members as they take the stage to raucous applause from the small crowd of fans and industry professionals who were lucky enough to snag tickets for the exclusive performance.
Frontman James Alex immediately launches into the first track, "Filthy Luck," and the band quickly establishes its intense, guitar-driven sound. From there, the movie captures the group's raw energy as they plow through a series of fan favorites, including "Too Late to Die Young," "Punks in a Disco Bar," and "Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas."
Throughout the film, James Alex's passionate, theatrical stage presence is on full display, as he belts out his lyrics and struts around the stage with an infectious energy. His bandmates, guitarist Ruben Gallego, bassist Ed McNulty, and drummer JP Flexner, provide the perfect musical backdrop for his anthemic songs, conjuring up a wall of sound that takes the energy in the room to another level.
The movie is expertly shot and edited, with a dynamic mix of close-ups and wide shots that capture the band's performance from every angle. At times, the camera zooms in on James Alex as he delivers a particularly heartfelt lyric or screams into the mic, highlighting the emotional intensity of the music. At other times, quick cuts between different band members add to the frenetic energy of the show.
In addition to the electrifying performances of Beach Slang's songs, the movie also includes candid interview footage with James Alex, where he discusses the band's origins and the inspiration behind their music. He comes across as a genuine, passionate artist who is fully invested in his craft and grateful for the opportunity to share it with others.
One of the highlights of the film is the band's performance of "We Are Nothing," a powerful song that finds James Alex belting out the lyrics, "We're looking for something/to make us feel alive/but we're just corpses." The song's emotional intensity is palpable, and the crowd responds with a huge singalong that underscores the song's message of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning.
The movie closes with Beach Slang playing their biggest hit, "American Girls and French Kisses," a catchy, upbeat ode to youthful rebellion and romantic recklessness. The band members look exhausted but exhilarated as they wrap up the show, and the crowd is left cheering for an encore as the credits roll.
Overall, Beach Slang Live at Baeble HQ is an excellent concert film that captures the essence of this exciting punk rock band. With a mix of electric performances, insightful interviews, and expert filmmaking, the movie is a must-watch for any fan of the genre, and a great introduction to those who have yet to discover the passionate, life-affirming music of Beach Slang.