Live Review: Spoon with the Beths and Squirrel Flower at Iroquois Amphitheatre in Louisville, 7/1/26

As Austin’s long-underrated band, and one of America’s most important and vital indie-rock kings, Spoon continue to create brilliant songs that, when played live, can bring the dead to life. Singer and guitarist Britt Daniel has been doing his thing with style and ease since the early ’90s when he started Spoon with drummer Jim Eno. The two are the only original members as the band has evolved through the years.

Out on tour with not much new music to play since their last studio outing in 2022, Lucifer on the Sofa, the boys still put on clinics each time they take the stage. Daniel and Eno have recruited some top-notch musicians who only make Spoon’s classics so much richer. But Daniel is the captain of this ship, and a born entertainer. He can hold an audience captive – even those unfamiliar with the band’s back catalogue. That’s because it’s a helluva back catalogue.

Taking the stage at a very hot start time (with a feels-like temp of 108°) in Louisville, the band a coupla gems from Lucifer, “Wild” and “The Hardest Cut,” songs that only a diehard fan may sing along to, but nonetheless true rockers. Daniel jubilantly told fans, “We’ve been working on some new songs for our upcoming album. We’ve also been rehearsing some old songs that haven’t been played for a while.” Along with travels back to their 2001 album Girls Can Tell (“Take a Walk”), the brand-new “I Wanna Lose Control” was met with positive reactions.

Along with founders Daniel and Eno, the touring band consists of Alex Fischel (keyboards, guitars), whose modus operandi is to be cranked up to 11 every minute on stage. He is a force. Ben Trokan plays bass and keyboards (and a killer neck tambourine) while Gerardo Larios lays it down on guitar and keys. There was an interchangeable dynamic among these three, as they switched up instruments throughout the show. They’re a super skilled bunch.

Daniel is an emotive and focused entertainer. Think Mick Jagger meets Ray Davies and you may get a glimpse into what makes this guy tick. The lanky blond singer exudes a coolness all his own, wielding a wicked blues-rock sound with his guitar and a swagger that makes it sound even better. Eno, now a Silver Fox, drums like it’s still the ’90s. Anyone in attendance unfamiliar with the greatness of a live Spoon show will be talking about this one for a while. The usually sweaty Daniel was mostly drenched in sweat during this beast of a heatwave. Maybe that all-black outfit contributed, but he was definitely the hardest working man on stage.

Highlights included “My Little Japanese Cigarette Case,” “I Summon You,” and “Inside Out,” a song I previously discounted, but which took on a whole new life after hearing it live. Daniel frequently stepped to the edge of the stage – even up on the monitors – interacting with fans, smiling, and showing genuine appreciation. Most in the crowd remained standing during the duration of the show, singing and sweating in unison.

After a powerful “Rent I Pay,” the band returned with a three-song encore and iced the cake, wrapping up the show with a loud and intense “Got Nuffin.” Daniel thanked fans as the band exited the stage. My fourth Spoon concert proved to be their best by far and they continue to gel into one of the best live bands anywhere.

New Zealand’s indie rock sensation the Beths were enjoying their final leg of the tour. The foursome of friends have experienced a meteoric rise since their 2018 debut album Future Me Hates Me. Touring with the latest release, critically acclaimed Straight Line Was A Lie, the band continues to gain fans and find new ways to bring joy. Singer Elizabeth Stokes along with guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck kept the energy a top priority, even in the western Kentucky sweltering heat and the burning sun directly in their faces.

The gentlemen add wonderful bursts of harmonizing to every song, making the Beths a true cohesive effort. The set included songs from the band’s impressive backlog, with several from Straight Line. Unfamiliar with this venue, I was nervous that it may be one of those season-ticket-holder-ho-hum crowds. I was mistaken. The nearly full amphitheatre was showing the love throughout the set, with Stokes frequently pressing pause on the next song awaiting the cheers to die.

During a break in the music, Stokes jokingly announced, “This is our last show with Spoon…EVAH! No, but it’s been great.” The last couple of songs – two of my faves – were “Little Death” and “Expert In A Dying Field.” Seems like many in the crowd loved these, as well. To peer further into the heart – and stomach – of this band, check out bassist Ben’s Breakfast and Travel Update blog for your future roadtrips.

The opening slot was reserved for Ella O’Connor Williams, a.k.a. Squirrel Flower. The Massachusetts native and Chicago transplant has released four studio albums, with her fifth coming next month. “Reelin” is the leadoff single from Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going and underscores the artist’s penchant for pure indie-rock which was met with approval as she sat alone on stage with her guitar. “I usually play with a band,” she expressed. Check out her solo U.S. tour throughout the States at her website.

As these formidable bands separate, they continue to tour. Hopefully, you can catch them soon in much cooler environs. For tour information, visit the band’s sites at: Spoon and the Beths. Be sure to enjoy Spoon’s #SetListPlayList below!

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