RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE ANGEL OLSEN, MITSKI, MJ LENDERMAN, KUDZU

In the world of indie rock from the South, few names resonate with as much sincerity and authenticity as Katie Crutchfield, better known as Waxahatchee. Hailing from the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Crutchfield cut her teeth in the local music scene along with her sister Allison (another amazing Crutchfield musician -check out SWEARIN’!), and since has spent the better part of the last decade carving out a space for herself in the alt-folk scene with a string of introspective, soul-baring releases. But with her latest offering, “Tigers Blood,” Crutchfield catapults herself into another realm entirely.  Released on Anti, “Tigers Blood” is a record that finds her shedding the skin of her past and embracing a newfound sense of liberation and exploration. While her previous works seemed steeped in the shadowy hues of introspection and melancholy, “Tigers Blood” shimmers with a lightness and effervescence that’s as captivating as it is disarming.

From the very first notes of “3 Sisters,” it’s abundantly clear that Crutchfield has given us all something special. The song’s haunting and shimmering guitars spinning into a propulsive rhythm set the stage for an album that’s as much about catharsis as it is about celebration. Tracks like “Evil Spawn” and “Ice Cold” further showcase Crutchfield’s evolution, with their infectious melodies and irresistible hooks. But don’t mistake the buoyancy of “Tigers Blood” for superficiality. Beneath its glistening surface still lies a darkness that’s as alluring as it is unsettling. Songs like “Burns Out at Midnight” and “Crimes of the Heart” delve into themes of existential angst and emotional turmoil, their lyrics cutting to the core of the human experience. One of the album’s wonderful features is its roster of guest appearances. Collaborators like MJ Lenderman, Spencer Tweedy, and producer Brad Cook lend their talents to the proceedings, adding depth and texture to Crutchfield’s already rich sonic tapestry. The track listing reads like a roadmap, each song a waypoint on Crutchfield’s journey of self-discovery. Each track offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Crutchfield’s psyche, revealing layers of complexity and nuance that demand repeated listens.

In the end, “Tigers Blood” stands as a testament to Crutchfield’s growth and maturity as an artist. It’s a record that defies easy categorization, blurring the lines between folk, indie rock, and pop with effortless grace. And with its release, Crutchfield cements her status as one of the most vital voices in contemporary music.  You will not be catching this rising star in small venues for long, so grab “Tigers Blood” and catch Waxahatchee on tour.

Out today and available at your local record store, but of course we recommend buying your records from SEASICK RECORDS

TIGERS BLOOD TOUR 2024

19 April – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
20 April – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed
21 April – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
23 April – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
25 April – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
26 April – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
27 April – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount Theatre
28 April – Richmond, VA – The National
30 April – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
01 May – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
03 May – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
04 May – Orlando, FL – The Beacham Theater
05 May – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival
06 May – Birmingham, AL – Lyric Theatre
08 May – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
09 May – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
10 May – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
11 May – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater
13 May – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
14 May – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA
16 May – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
17 May – Paso Robles, CA – Barrelhouse Brewing Co.
18 May – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
19 May – Sonoma, CA – Gundlach Bundschu Winery
21 May – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
23 May – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
19 August – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
21 August – Fort Collins, CO – Washington’s
23 August – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
24 August – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
25 August – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Beer Garden
26 August – Pittsburgh, PA – The Warhol at Carnegie Music Hall
28 August – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
29 August – South Deerfield, MA – Tree House Summer Stage
30 August – Portland, ME – State Theater
31 August – Accord, NY – Arrowood Farms
01 September – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage
06 September – Vienna, VA – Filene Center – Wolf Trap
07 September – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
08 September – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore