LOS ANGELES — In the past year, the world of live music has changed dramatically. With in-person concerts on hold due to the pandemic, artists across genres have turned to livestream performances to stay connected with their audiences. From Melanie Martinez to Dua Lipa, virtual concerts have become the new normal, and Chase Atlantic was no exception.
Ahead of their highly anticipated third studio album, Beauty in Death, the Australian alt-pop trio debuted a throwback livestream that not only revisited some of their most beloved tracks but also gave fans a taste of what was to come.
The first hint of the stream surfaced on Dec. 7, 2020, when rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist Christian Anthony took to Twitter, sparking speculation among fans about a possible album tie-in or special event.
A month later, Anthony doubled down on the excitement with a countdown teaser, which ultimately led to the announcement of the livestream, set for Feb. 20, 2021—just 13 days before the release of Beauty in Death.
Not Their First Rodeo: Chase Atlantic’s History With Livestreams
This wasn’t Chase Atlantic’s first foray into virtual performances. In April 2020, they hosted a charity livestream for Doctors Without Borders, treating fans to stripped-down, acoustic versions of songs from their 2019 album Phases, with portions of proceeds donated to the cause.
The 2021 throwback livestream followed a similar formula, showcasing reimagined versions of some of the band’s biggest hits. The intimate, laid-back arrangements gave longtime fans a fresh perspective on fan-favorite tracks, stripping them down to their rawest, most emotional core.
A Setlist Built for Nostalgia
The setlist kicked off with “Swim”, one of Chase Atlantic’s most recognizable tracks. Since its 2018 release, the official music video has racked up over 10 million views, solidifying its place as a staple in the band’s discography.
While the original version of “Swim” leans into sultry, hypnotic alt-pop, the livestream performance transformed it into a haunting, slow-burning ballad, complete with lyrical tweaks and an even more atmospheric delivery.
Next came “23”, an emotionally raw track about a woman caught in the spiral of self-destruction and substance abuse. While the original production had a dreamy, melancholic feel, the stripped-down performance amplified the song’s vulnerability, making its tragic narrative hit even harder.
A New Depth to Chase Atlantic’s Darker Themes
“Into It” followed, a song that has long served as a glimpse into the darker realities of the entertainment industry. On the surface, the original track is infectiously catchy, but this pared-down version exposed the weight of its lyrics, revealing a deeper emotional connection to the material.
Next came “Angeline”, a track that, despite its mellow, almost lullaby-like production, tells a chaotic story of an unhinged ex. During its original release, Christian Anthony confirmed in an interview that the song was based on someone he actually knew. The livestream version gave it a more intimate, eerie energy, making it feel even more personal and unsettling.
“WHAT U CALL THAT” and “Drugs & Money” kept the dark themes rolling, each tackling excess, addiction, and reckless indulgence. Unlike the earlier ballads, however, their stripped-down renditions didn’t soften their edges—instead, they added a sharper emotional weight, making their message more hauntingly real.
“Ozone” and the Weight of Reflection
A highlight of the set was “Ozone”, a track that examines toxic relationships and self-sabotage. With mumbled, nearly slurred delivery at the start, the performance perfectly mimicked the disoriented, numbed-out state referenced in the lyrics.
Though Angeline and Ozone share a similar contrast between mellow production and dark subject matter, Ozone’s livestream version leaned fully into the emotional wreckage, making it one of the most gut-wrenching performances of the night.
Ending With a Sneak Peek: “Molly”
The finale of the setlist was “Molly”, a track from Beauty in Death that was first released in October 2020.
Unlike the other tracks on the setlist, “Molly” was already relatively mellow in its studio version, but the livestream performance elevated its emotion even further. Lead vocalist Mitchel Cave has stated that the song is open to interpretation, whether it’s about a person named Molly or the drug of the same name. Regardless, its hypnotic, introspective nature made it the perfect way to close the show.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Tease for Beauty in Death
Clocking in at 45 minutes, Chase Atlantic’s Throwback Livestream was a brilliant way to bridge the gap between old favorites and new material. The tracklist was carefully chosen, offering both nostalgia and intrigue, and the stripped-back arrangements allowed fans to connect with the music on a deeper level.
With Beauty in Death set to drop just weeks later, the livestream served as the perfect way to ramp up excitement, proving that Chase Atlantic had even more raw, emotionally driven music in store.
For longtime fans, it was a love letter to their early days. For newcomers, it was a hauntingly beautiful introduction to the band’s signature style. And for everyone in between, it was a reminder of just how powerful their music can be—even in its simplest form.