Caroline Polachek and Ethel Cain take over Chicago’s iconic Riviera Theater

Caroline Polachek performs a sold-out show in Chicago. Photo: Brady Jager

She immediately took the edge of the stage, remaining close for the eternity of her set, holding hands with fans and crouching to sing one-on-one. “American Teenager,” a favorite among fans and President Barack Obama, brought insurmountable energy to the theater. After delivering powerful, raw vocals, Cain had to hold for seemingly never-ending, well-deserved applause for “A House in Nebraska.”

“This next one is a little country,” Cain said, preparing the audience. “Gonna be a little yee-haw.” 

Cain revealed a harmonica that she hid in her coyote and American flag shirt for a killer solo during “Thoroughfare.” She continued with the album track “Gibson Girl” and the emotional “Sun Bleached Flies” before finishing her performance with “Crush” from the 2021 EP Inbred, which pushed her into the alternative spotlight. She thanked fans, blowing kisses with her long bright blue nails. 

It was a stacked lineup at The Riviera Theater in Chicago Tuesday night, as True Blue and Ethel Cain joined Caroline Polachek for the sold-out stop of The Spiraling Tour.

“Tonight is like my dream bill,” Polachek said. “I love Ethel Cain’s music and True Blue’s music. It’s crazy to share this night with them and you.”

True Blue, who doubles as Polachek’s bassist, was the first to take the stage. The Australian darkwave artist performed a whimsical set with trap-like synths and heavy percussion. She played singles like “Lucy” and “No Water” along with a handful of unreleased music, urging fans to let her know if she should release them in the future. 

“How are you doing tonight, Chicago?” Ethel Cain asked after kicking off her set with “Family Tree” from the 2022 album Preacher’s Daughter, gracing the audience with ethereal poise, contrasting with a gas-station-looking crop top and patchwork camo pants. 

Ethel Cain opens for Caroline Polachek’s The Spiraling Tour. Photo: Brady Jager

And then it was time for THE Caroline Polachek to take the stage. A minute-long countdown visualizer appeared, building anticipation for the sold-out crowd. Volcano eruptions emerged on screen as the artist stormed on stage to perform the powerful vocalizations that begin “Welcome To My Island,” the opening song from Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, released on Valentine’s Day this year. 

“It’s electric in here,” Polachek said, feeling the air with her fingers. “It’s so amazing.” 

Polachek performed more songs from the recent album, such as “Pretty In Possible” and the self-proclaimed scorny (scary and horny) “Crude Drawing Of An Angel” for the first time in the city. Since the release of her debut solo album Pang in 2019, she has performed in the city ten times. 

“I did the math,” Polachek said. 

She held for ear-piercing cheers and applause multiple times throughout the set, especially after fan-favorite “Bunny Is A Rider.” Polachek delivered a vocal-heavy performance flawlessly, switching effortlessly from belts to gorgeous soprano melodies. Standout vocal tracks include “Sunset” and “Ocean Of Tears.” 

“This one’s for SOPHIE!” Polachek screamed after the beginning instrumental to “I Believe.” SOPHIE, a close friend of Polachek, was a transgender pioneer in the alternative and hyper-pop music scene. She worked with artists like Madonna, Charli XCX, Kim Petras, and Vince Staples before tragically passing in 2021.

Polachek performed all of the tracks from Desire, I Want To Turn Into You with phenomenal stage presence, fun, interpretive dancing, and loads of crowd interaction. The crowd roared in excitement for “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings,” Polachek’s biggest hit. Polachek and fans alike did the viral TikTok dance, which Polachek choreographed herself for the music video. 

“Thank you so much,” Polachek said to the crowd with her hands over her heart. “Now, let’s go to church.” 

The electric set closed with an otherworldly finale of Polachek’s debut single, “Door.” The theater lit up with cellphone flashlights and nymph-like dancing to the final song. 

Polachek will continue The Spiraling Tour in the US this month before continuing on the European leg until the end of the summer. Ethel Cain on the other hand, will be performing at festivals across the globe and opening for boygenius in the UK.