After Philadelphia punk band Beach Slang’s Thursday night show in Salt Lake City, which ended with thrown guitars and a promise for a refund from singer James Alex, rumors began to fly that the band had broken up. Friday’s show in Boise was cancelled, fueling the speculation. Later in the day, the band released a statement that said, “If you’re still in, we are. Beach Slang is not breaking up.”
James Alex was sitting at a table near the back of Portland’s Analog Cafe on Sunday night watching opening bands Puppy Breath, Dyke Drama and Potty Mouth. We spoke briefly, and when the topic of the breakup surfaced, he simply said, “We got over it.”
The band’s second show since the scare was exceptional.
In November, Beach Slang played the same venue with maybe 60 percent of its capability. The band had played a small house show in Washington on the drive down, and despite Alex’s stage rolls, bassist Ed McNulty’s endless movements, J.P. Flexner’s aggressive drumming and Ruben Gallego’s sharp humor, each member seemed tired.
I gave that show a rave review, but Sunday night’s show was Beach Slang at the top of its game. They released all of their pent-up rage into their instruments, allowing them to vent their nervous energy into one of the strongest performances I’ve ever seen.

One of Beach Slang’s best attributes is the level of crowd interaction the band allows. A fan complimented the band’s set during their show, and Alex promised to find the person who said it and give him a sweaty hug. Alex tossed his white Epiphone guitar to McNulty and searched for the fan, saying, “You’re like a romantic ninja lurking in the shadows.” When the fan reached the base of the stage, the two embraced for a few seconds in a triumphant bear hug.
Throughout the night, there were moments of joy between the band and also some clear tension onstage. Alex mentioned that the band is currently three days sober. They then all looked at the floor with guilty frowns, likely hoping the breakup would go unmentioned. They may be fun to watch when they’re all drunk, but for at least one night, the sober incarnation of Beach Slang was damn near impossible to beat.
Beach Slang’s second album is due out in September. Based on the three new songs they previewed at the show, it promises to be every bit as engaging as their debut The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us.
“This could be a car crash, but that’s what you came here for isn’t it?” Alex said before introducing the new material. 
The moment that Beach Slang seemed to mend itself back into a tight-knit band came during “Filthy Luck,” the final song of the night. Alex leaned back as far as he could as feedback filled the venue while Gallego and McNulty flashed each other a quick smile. A thunderous take of the song followed.
As he often does, Alex began the show by saying, “We’re here to punch you in the heart.” This time, the punches left the gentlest bruise possible, but it left an impact that will be felt for years.