‘Ivy Tripp’ is the third time around the block for Waxahatchee, Katie Crutchfield’s solo project. It’s the first of her records to arrive with real fanfare - thanks to the success of its predecessor, ‘Cerulean Salt’ - but is a reflection of a troubled time. Recorded on Long Island, it was pieced together during a time of flux and mid-20s anxiety. But the result is a bold, powerful record.
Breathless sets the tone for the album and is a prime example of how something can be beautiful for nothing other than its simplicity. Fuelled by a distorted keys and layered vocals, it demonstrates Crutchfield’s commitment to capturing raw emotion and making sure it cuts through everything else. Stale By Noon pulls off the same trick.
Across the record, Crutchfield continues to mature. There is added strength to her vocals and more bite to her compositions. Her lyrics, which remain ruthlessly honest and rough at the edges, are shouted with the intent of a woman who must be heard.
Under A Rock, the first single to be taken from the album, is an obvious standout. Showing how DIY methods coupled with just enough spit and polish can create a wonderful contrast, it displays the melodic sensibility that has characterised Crutchfield’s work since the days of PS Eliot.
The Dirt does much to live up to its name as scuzzy backing underpins sweet vocals, while on Summer Of Love dogs can be heard barking in the background. Does it get anymore DIY than that? La Loose and Air look back, conjuring the vulnerable charm of earlier releases.
Every small imperfection on ‘Ivy Tripp’ makes it that much more sincere and Crutchfield has a gift for ensuring that music and lyrics speak to one another. “I heard someone say that you have to be the change you want to see,” she said recently. “I just want to be the kind of musician I want to see in the world.” Mission accomplished. We’re better off for having Waxahatchee in it.
Waxahatchee Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed June 10 2015 - LONDON Electric Ballroom
Thu June 11 2015 - BRISTOL Fleece
Fri June 12 2015 - MANCHESTER Ruby Lounge
Sat June 13 2015 - DUBLIN Button Factory
Sun June 14 2015 - BELFAST McHughs
Mon June 15 2015 - GLASGOW Stereo
Tue June 16 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Cluny
Wed June 17 2015 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Thu June 18 2015 - SHEFFIELD Harley
Fri June 19 2015 - SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
Sat June 20 2015 - BRIGHTON Bleach
Click here to compare & buy Waxahatchee Tickets at Stereoboard.com.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
