Photos and review by Hannah Rohret.
Cable Ties packed the house last Tuesday on their inaugural visit to the Golden State. Opening for East Coast Indie Rock band, Pile, at San Francisco’s historic Cafe du Nord, the punk trio from Melbourne lit up the stage in the intimate, basement-level speakeasy with their exuberant and blissful stage presence.
The crowd quickly grew throughout the first opening act with local, Oakland-based group Sour Widows. The buzz about them started outside the venue in the line to get in and it was clear folks intentionally made their way out on a Tuesday night to catch the Alternative/Indie band from the East Bay. There was a grateful feeling overall among the crowd to be at a gorgeous venue with great music on a Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Wasting no time, Cable Ties hit the ground running with an enchanting, extended version of “Sandcastles” off their 2020 album Far Enough. All eyes were on guitarist and lead vocalist Jenny McKechnie as she warmed the crowd up with extended instrumentals and a playful but hypnotic, wide-eyed gaze into the soul of the crowd.
After a few songs of pure energy, McKechnie slowed it down halfway through the set with her dreamy vocals in “Deep Breath Out” off their most recent album All Her Plans, absolutely captivating the audience.
Drummer Shauna Boyle’s gleaming moment came swiftly after as her classic/edgy/raw punk vocals and powerful drumming absolutely drove this live performance of their 2023 hit “Thoughts Back” (a personal favorite).
The show ended as it began with McKechnie’s sparkly, fun-loving stage presence and obvious love for her bandmates on full display as she playfully danced, rolled and strummed the guitar behind her head after groovy bassist and the “glue” of each song, Nick Brown, connected with the crowd with feelings of gratitude to be in The Bay, playing music on a fine, San Franciscan night. The feeling is mutual, Cable Ties. Take us back to Melbourne with you!
