Performing at the Gobi Stage, Caroline Polachek looked like she had been outside in the heat just like the rest of us. I think it might’ve been a trick to make her seem more human before she put on an out-of-this-world show. With a limited two person band and a smokey, atmospheric stage, Caroline performed an absolutely breathtaking performance.
For some artists, one might wonder: “With only one solo album out, would they have enough material to perform a full set?” That’s not a question that needs to be asked about Caroline Polachek. Forty-five minutes wasn’t enough time for her. Cruising through a setlist built out of album cuts, singles, and unreleased music, Caroline performed a fantastic array of tracks. THey were welcomed with open arms from the audience as they sang along and also took a back seat to allow Caroline’s performance to stand at the forefront.
I love it when performers are able to add onto the power of a song that they have. Caroline surpassed that in every way. She hit notes that I didn't realize were humanly possible. It was amazing for me because I felt like I connected with her music in a whole new way. I got to experience her album for the first time again. Having an experience like that is something else. Caroline creates the opportunity to see the music in a whole new light rather than just what you can hear at home.
Caroline’s music is perfect for Coachella. It has a warmth to it with elements of pop and electronic all brought together with the sheer power of Caroline’s vocals. Performances like hers really remind you about what makes music great in the first place. It’s the perfect blend of instrumentation with raw vocal and songwriting talent. She was able to debut some new work during her set which is more than welcome. I hope she continues to put out more music soon. Even then, she has already proved how much she can do with only one album and her singles. All in all, her performance was truly a highlight of the weekend for me.
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