The heavens may have opened over Open'er Festival 2026 in Poland, but Robert Smith and his iconic bandmates were undaunted. As the skies darkened, The Cure unleashed their trademark 'majestic misery' on the packed main stage, leaving the devoted crowd utterly enthralled. It was a performance for the ages – one that saw them blend their signature melancholy with moments of unexpected levity, as if the heavens themselves were echoing the band's euphoric soundscapes.
The Cure's setlist was a masterclass in sequencing, weaving together beloved classics like 'Pictures Of You', 'Lovesong', and 'A Forest' alongside some of their more obscure gems. Even a rare inclusion from 1996's 'Wild Mood Swings', the majestic 'Treasure', found its way onto the bill – proof that Smith & Co. have always had an uncanny knack for choosing just the right songs to leave audiences begging for more.
But it was Ethel Cain, the enigmatic American singer-songwriter with a voice as raw and emotive as any, who truly stole the show earlier in the day. With her debut 'Preacher's Daughter' earning her widespread acclaim (and a top ten spot on the Billboard 200 chart), she proved herself to be one of the most compelling new voices in alt-pop – and one who refuses to be pigeonholed.
Cain, whose real name is Hayden Anhedönia, seems to have an almost telepathic connection with her fans. With a mere glance, she can whip up a frenzy of cheers and applause from even the most hardened rock veterans in attendance. It's little wonder, then, that her hour-long set flew by like a dream – or, at least, a particularly vivid nightmare.
And so, as Open'er Festival 2026 hurtles towards its climax, we're left wondering what other surprises are in store for us from this year's eclectic lineup. Will Jennie bring her signature sass to the stage? Will Jade conjure up the same level of intensity that Just Mustard did earlier in the day? And will Florence & The Machine live up to the hype with their closing set? Only time (and the next few days) will tell, but one thing's for sure – Open'er has been serving up some of the most delectable emo rock we've had all year.
The Cure may have closed out the night in style, but it was Ethel Cain who left an indelible mark on the festival. A true star is born, and we can't wait to see what's next for this fearless frontwoman – or at least, whatever comes after 'Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You', her reportedly soon-to-be-released sophomore album.