Caroline Polacheck @ Lincoln Theatre [DC] - 12/3/21
Caroline Polacheck performing at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. (Photo ©2021 Hailey Collins)
Ethereal icon, Caroline Polachek, brought the “Heart is Unbreaking Tour” to D.C.’s Lincoln Theatre. Previously the front woman of Chairlift, this was her first ever show in the nation’s capital as a solo artist.
Caroline took the stage in front of a massive gate backdrop that was brought to life with lights and projections throughout the show. The gate, designed by Timothy Luke, has acted as the main visual theme of her debut solo album, Pang. She opened the show with the album’s title track. After “Hit Me Where It Hurts,” the lights immediately dropped as the first thump of “Bunny Is a Rider,” hit. Fans shrieked with excitement. The song has become a favorite amongst her discography as fans obsess over the abstract lyrics that might leave others confused. “Bunny Is a Rider,” was also just declared by Pitchfork as their number one song of 2021.
Other highlights include fans knowing the choreography to “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings,” Oklou joining Caroline on stage for a cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” and a new song called “Sunset” that featured vibratos that left the everyone’s jaws on the floor. Caroline performed 3 unreleased songs, “Billions,” “Sunset,” and “Smoke,” and they left everyone hungry for her next album.
Opener Oklou (Pronounced Oh-Kay-Loo) is a French singer, songwriter, and producer whose vibe of ethereal avant-garde pop is complementary to Caroline’s. She put on a dreamy set, playing most of the songs from her latest mixtape, Galore, and a cover of A.G. Cook’s, “Being Harsh.” The multitalented artist opted to wear a headset mic while performing so she could easily switch between her DJ equipment, guitar, and bass while singing. Galore is out now via True Panther Records.
