The Beths Share New Single “No Joy” Along With Album Announcement

Photo by Frances Carter

A typical Beths song will feature some standard ingredients - catchy melodies, backing harmonies from the guys in the band, and lyrics showcasing singer Elizabeth Stokes’ sharp wit. “No Joy” doesn’t stray far from this formula, but why fix what isn’t broken? Instead, we get a sardonic tune wrapped up in a slightly looser, more garage-rock-influenced package than the band’s previous work.

Owing to this looser sound is the overall production, specifically the tone of the instruments. The snare crackles over a fuzzy bass, while the guitars sound crunchy and full over the top of it all. This is a subtle shift in sonics from their previous record Expert In A Dying Field, whose melancholic themes called for a softer, more polished sound. With “No Joy,” we find Stokes at her most cynical, mirroring this change. “All my pleasures, guilty / Clean slate looking filthy / This year’s gonna kill me.” Sarcasm is a common defense mechanism for depression, and her flat delivery here is covering up some dark lyrics: “Wanted to cry but I couldn’t,” “Anhedonic on the daily.”

The descending bass line throughout the verse contributes to the sense of defeat Stokes is feeling. “I don’t feel sad / I feel nothing,” she deadpans. When they make it to the chorus, they sing the title over and over, and the chord progression ascends before falling right back down. It’s a subtle way of highlighting the theme of finding “no joy” in familiar things. It’s no coincidence then that the happiest-sounding part of the song comes in the form of the wordless bridge, consisting of a simple drum beat underneath a chorus of whistles and harmonies. This section sounds completely different from the rest of the song, signifying a mental break from the dark thoughts present throughout the rest of the track, and the joy of breaking out of a routine.

The video for the song illustrates these themes by showing the band revisiting their childhood. Taking place in a kindergarten classroom, they play with clay, sock puppets and art supplies, but still cry oversized, construction-paper tears. “When did life become so unbecoming?” Stokes asks.

“No Joy” says that returning to the same old things can contribute to a feeling of depression from diminished returns. However, with a band like The Beths, the same old things always make for a pretty great song.

Along with the new track and accompanying music video, the band has announced that their fourth record Straight Line Was A Lie will be released August 29, 2025.