From bedroom sessions to global sell-out tours, Beabadoobee released her third studio album This Is How Tomorrow Moves in August 2024 which preceded her Autumn U.K tour that I was lucky enough to attend in November 2024. Transitioning over the years from bedroom pop to a more alternative rock genre, ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’ is bursting with catchy guitar riffs, whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics, whilst maintaining its intimate, bedroom pop aspect.
I’ve been a fan of Beabadoobee’s music since before her debut album ‘Fake It Flowers’ came out in 2020, and started getting into her music even more when her second album Beatopia was released in 2022. When she announced her newest album This Is How Tomorrow Moves I was counting down the days until it was released and even pre-ordered the vinyl the day it was announced. When it finally dropped, it exceeded my expectations, I knew I couldn’t miss it out on hearing it live. Having never been to a concert before, the idea of seeing Beabadoobee – an artist who I had supported and enjoyed for years – felt like the perfect first-time experience.
On a particularly drizzly evening in mid November, I made the journey from Cardiff to Bristol to The Beacon, excitedly anticipating the night that was to come. Any low feelings brought about by the miserable weather were soon washed away, as the concert certainly did not disappoint – it was everything I had hoped for and more. As soon as Beabadoobee stepped on stage, the atmosphere was electric yet still carried that intimate feel that makes her music so special. Opening with the upbeat, guitar heavy hit track ‘California’ from This Is How Tomorrow Moves fed the energetic buzz of the crowd and started the concert on an incredible high.
The setlist beautifully moved through a variety of songs from her new album, interwoven with hits from ‘Beatopia’ and ‘Fake It Flowers’, creating the perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement. As Beabadoobee seamlessly moved from her more punchy, upbeat songs to her delicate, heart-warming tracks such as ‘Glue Song’, the dreamy projections behind her and the band on stage perfectly complemented the mood of each track. It was clear that everyone in the room shared the same deep love for her songs as I did, as we were all singing along to every word, collectively enveloped in a current of warm energy.
Beabadoobee and the band maintained such an effortlessly cool vibe that I couldn’t take my eyes off throughout the entire performance. They combined the kind of raw authenticity you’d find in indie rock bands of the late 90’s and early 2000’s, with a personal modernity that created a fresh, introspective aesthetic. Whilst transfixed on the band’s incredibly stylish execution of each song, my favourite moment of the night was hearing ‘Take A Bite’ live. As my personal favourite from the album, the audience’s reaction to ‘Take A Bite’ enhanced my experience of it even more, as they sang the lyrics in unison alongside Beabadoobee.
‘She Plays Bass’ was another highlight of mine, bringing a nostalgic rush to the concert, whirling me back to Beabadoobee’s blue-haired Space Cadet days in 2019. Furthering the nostalgic atmosphere, in the middle of the concert the lights dimmed and Beabadoobee cradled her acoustic guitar to serenade the crowd with her 2017 hit ‘Coffee’. As the whole audience gently basked in Beabadoobee’s angelic, soft voice, accompanied by the beautifully simple guitar chords of ‘Coffee’, people began to reach for their phone flashlights (me included). The lights twinkled across the room as we swayed to the melody of the song, creating an unforgettably tender experience. The concert ended with the 2022 track ‘See You Soon’, closing the night on a perfect note.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I couldn’t have picked a better first concert. Beabadoobee is an incredible live performer, and I’d recommend seeing her to anyone who loves her music.
Words by Oliver Bozickovic
Edited by Jemima Lake
Beabadoobee Follow this link to check out This Is How Tomorrow Moves
These concert tickets were gifted to Quench.