CD of The Week

Katie Crutchfield, aka Waxahatchee, has pieced together her most dynamic, full-ranged, and mature effort yet withIvy Tripp. The seasoned veteran grew up in Alabama and cut her teeth in moderately high profile bands (Ackleys, P.S. Elliot) alongside her twin sister Allison (Swearin’). But as her tastes changed, Katie sought to guide her musical fate by her own hand, and Waxahatchee was born. The steps she has taken since have proved to be giant leaps. Her new release is with the considerably larger label Merge, allowing all of her experience and growth to shine through.

Where the last record,Cerculean Salt, felt like an album full of hooky rock demos, the fleshed out Ivy Tripp spotlights a well-rounded collection of emotions and nostalgia. It draws immediate comparisons to 90’s alternative bands like The Breeders, Belly, and The Juliana Hatfield Three. The first single, “Air” is a great stand-alone sample of the album’s diversity, with a bold guitar hook, anthemic stripped-down drumming and powerful vocals that are supported by haunting coos. The album is bookended by two mellow, emotionally diffusing songs. “Breathless” starts the record with a sleepy, ambient tone, with guitar buzz undercutting the entire song, and it ends with Bjork-like layered vocals. “Bonfire” wraps the album up in a melancholy bow with its droning, shoegazing tempo. Also fitting alongside these hushed, light-on-their-feet tunes are the Mates of States-like lullaby “Stale By Noon,” the quiet, reflective “Half Moon,” the watery “Blue” and the plodding, resentful “< (Less Than).” But for the first time since she started Waxahatchee, Katie lets loose with a more fun, energetic side. The jangly “Under A Rock” and power driven “Poison” are back-to-back fully produced rock singles while “The Dirt” features a fuzzy, catchy chord progression akin to The Vaselines’ “Son of a Gun.” But when it comes to losing yourself in a pure musical hook, “La Loose” takes the cake. This super catchy, never letting up dance pop number is sure to birth a flood of dance remixes with extended drum loops and sugar coated effects.

At 26 years old, Waxahatchee has a long career in front of her. And it seems her move from Long Island to good old West Philly, surrounded by like-minded people (including her sister) and a laid back house party atmosphere is the perfect environment for a growing musician. You can often find the Crutchfields and friends together at basement shows as just another group of care free kids, taking in as much as they give back. The fame and bigger venues that she now plays changes nothing: songwriting and performing are in her blood. This Wednesday, April 8th, she’ll be headlining Union Transfer, bringing along those bandmates, friends, and friends’ bands. Come along and join the extra-large hometown house party.