Show review: Wednesday's Pseudo-hometown Show at Cat's Cradle
On Friday, June 16th, after a long work week, Wednesday returned to their home state to play the first Cat’d Cradle show on their tour, celebrating the release of their fifth studio record Rat Saw God.
The show was opened by Chicago-based band Tenci who effortlessly fused their indie-twang sound with their Chigaco roots, blending a lingering yet consistent use of saxophone and their potent use of bass into their flamboyant sound. All while consistently portraying a large metaphor on how we (the crowd) are all one big pair of shoes melted together for eternity- it’s actually quite a nice metaphor on how music brings everyone together (if you choose to dwell on it). The set itself was well-varied and took fans on a lovely trip through their discography, whether it be them screaming into the mic or singing angelic lyrics; it was the perfect setup for Wednesday’s set that followed.
Tenci will remain as the openers for the remainder of Wednesday’s tour (with the exclusion of 06/24) and are certainly not an opener to miss.
Shortly after Tenci’s set came to a close, Wednesday took the stage. The Asheville-based band appeared with an uncanny amount of giddy as lead singer Karly Hartzman explained that Cat’s Cradle was the first venue she ever attended a concert at in middle school. Being back in that same place years later with her parents and childhood friends must’ve been a surreal experience for the band; with childhood friends remarking of little banter in-between songs and pure joy echoing throughout the venue, there was a slight interpersonal vibe which is becoming more and more uncommon at concerts today. The band is fresh from their Europe tour and fondly reminisced on their time there as well. The set was heavily based on their newest album Rat Saw God, and played many songs from there paired with a few older hits and even a cover. They infused their Appalachian roots with their punk influences, all of which tie into a beautiful indie-punk little package. This show was also unique to the band because it was “the closest to a hometown show” they had thus far on tour, with one of the members being from Durham and the memorial connections they share with the iconic venue. They spoke about the local restaurant Gourmet Kingdom and their wish for themselves to rule said restaurant. Their friendly banter and interactions with the crowd, paired with their exhilaratingly soulful sound, helped foster the environment for a perfect Friday night show, one which is not to be missed.
The band is currently on their Rat Saw God Tour, celebrating their newest album of the same name. The tour will continue until the first of July, where they will round out this leg of their tour with a true hometown show at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC.
