Ethel Cain
Andy Warhol Museum
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 6, 2023
By Andrew Latshaw
On October 6, 2023, Ethel Cain headlined the third annual Sound Series: Block Party at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cain, a rising star in the alternative country scene, has been praised for her unique sound, which blends elements of rock, country, and gospel with her ethereal vocals and raw lyrics.
On a personal note, I used to live in Pittsburgh, and I worked at the Andy Warhol Museum, and while this was put on by the Warhol, it was outside, at the river’s edge at a pop-up stage which allowed quite a few people to attend! It was interesting to see how they did this concert, and utilizing the limited space that downtown Pittsburgh has to offer.
Cain and her band took the stage at 8:30 PM to a sold-out crowd. She opened with her fan-favorite song “A House in Nebraska,” setting the tone for the evening with her powerful voice and haunting lyrics. The band continued with a mix of songs from Cain’s EP Inbred and her full-length debut Preacher’s Daughter, including “American Teenager,” “Family Tree,” and “Gibson Girl.”
Cain’s performance was both captivating and moving. She commanded the stage with her presence and her music, and her connection with the audience was palpable. She sang about love, loss, and faith in her songs, and her raw emotion drew the audience in.
Cain’s performance, as I mentioned, was powerful and moving, it was not as energetic and chaotic as I am used to. Photographing mostly metal shows and listening to mostly metal. Cain’s performance was an unexpected trip to the opposite side of the spectrum of sounds and shows that I am accustomed to. Even with that being said, I will say that Cain’s voice was hauntingly infectious and made the trip worthwhile!
One of the highlights of the show was Cain’s performance of the song “Crush.” The song is a slow-burning ballad about a woman’s obsession with a man she can’t have. Cain’s vocals were particularly powerful on this song, and her performance was both heartbreaking and mesmerizing.
Another highlight was Cain’s performance of the song “Thoroughfare.” The song is a rock anthem about a woman breaking free from her chains and living her life on her own terms. Cain’s energy was electric on this song, and the crowd sang along with every word.
Cain closed out her set with the song “Strangers.” The song is a beautiful and haunting ballad about the connections we make with others, even the ones who are just passing through. Cain’s vocals were simply stunning on this song, and it was the perfect way to end an unforgettable evening of music.
Overall, Ethel Cain’s performance at the Andy Warhol Museum was a triumph. She is a talented performer with a unique and captivating sound. Her music is honest, raw, and emotionally resonant. She is definitely an artist to watch in the years to come.
