WAXAHATCHEE Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Waxahatchee's American Weekend is a masterclass in minimalist folk, featuring simple chord progressions and raw, heartfelt lyrics. Recorded with a raw, lo-fi aesthetic, the album predominantly showcases acoustic guitar and vocals, with occasional embellishments like tambourine and out-of-tune piano adding texture. The stripped-down production places the focus squarely on the lyrical content, which is delivered with apathetic sincerity by the narrator. The album's themes of emotional dependency and introspection are exemplified in tracks like 'Noccalula,' where the narrator grapples with the need for emotional connection amidst feelings of isolation. Despite its simplicity, the album is not without its moments of catchiness and beauty, reminiscent of Elliott Smith's work. Overall, American Weekend is a poignant exploration of the human experience, offering a unique sense of comfort for those navigating the complexities of emotion.

Review: Talk about being raised on stage. Katie Crutchfield is only 31, but already has spent 15 years of life in bands. Four to be exact, kicking off with the Ackeys in her high school days, with Bad Banana, P.S. Eliot and Great Thunder also accounting for chapters in that career. It's the Waxahatchee era that has brought her the level of credit truly deserved, though, while also bringing her closer to the brink than ever. The story behind 'Saint Cloud', or rather the story behind the story behind Saint Cloud, is proof enough - a desire to quit drinking turning into an urgent need amid a gruelling live tour, leading to moments when she was ready to jack it all in and start afresh. Heavy stuff, we're glad she didn't given this record is so good - songs about looking for security, hope, and an even footing, with indie rock arrangements taking on new minimalism.