Caroline Polachek and Ethel Cain are coming to the Anthem on Spiraling Tour
By: Olivia Mezzullo
Finals getting you down? Need a fun pick me up with lots of great pop music? Head to the Anthem to celebrate the end of the semester as Caroline Polachek brings her “Spiraling Tour” to D.C. at the Anthem with support from Ethel Cain on May 19.
Caroline Polachek is an alternative pop artist who has been releasing solo music under her own name since 2019. Her critically acclaimed debut album Pang includes her first single “Door” and the viral “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings.” However, she has been active in music since 2007, as a member of the band Chairlift, and later releasing a self-produced album in 2014 under the pseudonym Ramona Lisa. Aside from her own work, Polachek has shaped the pop genre as a producer, writer, and collaborator for many well-known artists including Beyonce, Blood Orange, and Charli XCX.
Polachek’s sophomore album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is a triumphant feat of pop virtuosity, and its subsequent “Spiraling Tour'' is her first headlining tour since 2021. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is full of dynamic vocal moments that dare to be performed live, Polachek’s voice effortlessly soars on tracks like “Welcome to My Island” and “Pretty In Possible”. Other moments on the album bend the rules of genre, like flamenco-esqe “Sunset” and the hyper-pop influenced “Billions.” Polachek plays by her own rules, and that will likely remain true in her live performance of songs from the new album.
Polachek’s music can be described as art pop, experimental pop, and avant pop - but it doesn’t quite fit into any particular box. Similar artists include A.G. Cook, Grimes, and Rina Sawayama.
Opening artist Ethel Cain is a newer trailblazer in music —- she’s only been active since 2017. Her debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, released in May of last year, blends influences from various genres such as dream pop, classic rock, gospel music, and country music in a deeply introspective concept album centering around themes of religion and family trauma.
If you are a die-hard fan of either of these artists, an enjoyer of experimental and art pop music, or just looking for a good time to dance to live music and decompress from finals with friends, Caroline Polachek’s show on May 19th is a show not to be missed.
Find tickets here!