It’s always a good sign when a small venue hosts two indie/alternative pop bands—my favorite genre and a guarantee for a great show. On February 18th, Pretty Jane and Night Cap took the stage at Cafe du Nord, bringing a mix of Austin and Nashville charm to San Francisco.
For their first time touring the West Coast, Pretty Jane fit right into the pulse of the California concert scene, adding a touch of surf pop to their signature sound. I’ve been a fan of theirs since early 2023, with tracks like “Too Few Tattoos” and “Shotgun Wedding” sitting at the top of my playlists, and their live renditions did not disappoint. Their stage presence was as inviting as their music—playful, charismatic, and built for audience interaction. Whether encouraging the crowd to kiss their friends, clap to the beat, or shout their names for an impromptu roll call, Pretty Jane ensured everyone felt like part of the show.
One of their set’s standout moments was when they tied Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” into their song “Too Few Tattoos,” sending the crowd into a melodic sway. The infectious groove of Pretty Jane’s song complemented Rihanna’s soulful lyrics, creating a perfect blend of rhythm on and off stage. Their chemistry as a band was undeniable, especially when bassist Luca Diverigllio caught lead guitarist Ethan Strain with his feet while Strain kept shredding, adding to their unpredictable, anything-can-happen dynamic.
Night Cap followed with a sound steeped in the country spirit of Zach Bryan and the rock intensity of Kings of Leon, bringing whisky-soaked vocals and a smoky, atmospheric set. Despite lead singer Ryan King breaking a string mid-performance, the band handled it smoothly, borrowing a guitar from Pretty Jane and keeping the momentum going. As the swap happened, the rest of the band filled the moment with a jazzy interlude, turning what could have been a setback into an unexpected highlight.
During their set, they continuously passed around a wine bottle on stage, prompting the crowd to chant “chug, chug, chug!”—a moment that perfectly captured the communal energy of their performance. When they performed “Honey,” the entire audience clapped along, turning the venue into a full-on jam session. But the highlight for me was their performance of “Sentimental”—hearing it live was unreal. King’s vocals carried an aching sense of hope, pulling you into every lyric, guitar strum, and drum hit, making it impossible not to feel the weight of the song.
Both bands delivered the kind of passion, heart, and musicianship for a Tuesday night that made the room feel alive, as if it were the weekend.
Review and photography by Izzy Hory
