Ethel Cain is a brilliant storyteller. The way she translates the world she has built around her is effortless, leaving no detail amongst her plot untouched. Her work is rooted in her personal history of growing up Southern Baptist in Florida, and the exploration of the impact that has taken on not only herself, but the community around her. Exploring themes of religious and generational trauma, romantic relationships, self discovery, and exploitation, she is able to connect with a wide range of listeners, specifically centered around the queer community (earning her the title of “Mother Cain”). Using painstakingly striking symbolism in her work, it is impossible to not fall instantly within her grasp upon first listen.

Hayden Silas Anhedönia, known as Ethel Cain, captured audiences in San Francisco this weekend on the final leg of her nationwide tour in support of Preacher's Daughter, her debut album from last year. The tour was instantly categorized as a “must-see”, selling out in such a short amount of time that they added a second tour date to this stop. As fans lined up outside of The Castro Theatre, Hayden’s impact was made clear as concert goers showed up in full costume, replicating some of Ethel Cain’s most iconic pieces. Everywhere you looked, you could spot a fan decked out in a full length prairie-style dress.

From the very moment Ethel stepped on stage, fans yelled back every last lyric to her. Her long white dress paired perfectly with her ethereal vocals reverberating back to us throughout the theater walls. The intimacy she has with her fans is unmatched as they reached out towards her, and she accepted. There were multiple moments where she cradled fan’s faces in her hands, even sitting on the edge of the stage, becoming one with the crowd and singing directly into their eyes. The hour long set felt like an escape from reality. Her choice of having more a modest set up (performing in front of a plain curtain, with nothing more than a band accompanying her) allowed us a raw glimpse into her world. Her encore featured the song “Crush” from her 2021 release, Inbred, which was the perfect end to her 8-piece set.

Setlist:

1. Strangers

2. American Teenager

3. A House in Nebraska

4. Family Tree

5. Hard Times

6. Thoroughfore

7. Gibson Girl

8. Sun Bleached Flies

Encore:

1. Crush

Review & Photos by: Jenna Houchin

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