Waxahatchee's Leeds Set Is Utterly Enchanting
Published
There is an ethereal quality to the sound of Waxahatchee – the southern infused indie pop rock project of Alabama native Katie Crutchfield. In between the release of her third record, ‘Ivy Tripp’, under the moniker of Waxahatchee in April and supporting Kurt Vile on his European tour later on this year, Crutchfield and her band play a few dates across the UK.
Waxahatchee is no stranger to the Leeds venue, Brudenell Social Club, as she remarks that it is a pleasure to be back on 17th June, and not just because of the mirrors that allow the band to see themselves as they play. It is equally a pleasure for the audience to have Waxahatchee back in Leeds; in the two years since Crutchfield last played, the recent release of the well-received ‘Ivy Tripp’ promises an evening of charm. Indeed, Waxahatchee’s set is as ambient and delightful as could be expected.
The set consists of a mix of songs from ‘Ivy Tripp’, as well as previous albums ‘Cerulean Salt’ (2013) and ‘American Weekend’ (2012). Opening with “Under a Rock”, Crutchfield’s powerful vocals fill the venue, complimented by the sound of the supporting band. Throughout the set, Crutchfield and band weaves their way through the various sounds and styles that make up Waxahatchee’s discography.
With tracks like “Lively” and “Peace and Quiet”, the band slow the pace down and create a chilled atmosphere as Crutchfield’s acoustics flood the main room at Brudenell. Yet, things take a poppier, upbeat turn with the sweet-sounding “La Loose”, and a spunkier, fuzzier feel with “Less Than” – or “<”, as it is titled on Ivy Tripp.
This makes for a thoroughly engaging and dynamic show, particularly considering Waxahatchee’s tendency to write short songs. “Poison” and “Air” are both highlights of ‘Ivy Tripp’ and the set. Yet “Brother Bryan”, from Waxahatchee’s debut ‘Cerulean Salt’ remains one of Crutchfield’s unrivalled songs, and is especially well received by the audience.
However, Crutchfield saves the best to the very last, playing an encore of three acoustic renditions of some of Waxahatchee’s most charming tracks. Gracing the stage alone with only her guitar, Crutchfield treats the audience to the sweet and soulful “Summer of Love”, and fan-favourites “I Think I Love You” and “Noccalula”. The perfect ethereal end to the show, Waxahatchee’s set instills anticipation for her return this autumn alongside Kurt Vile.
For the night, however, Waxahatchee’s celestial endeavours are far from over. An after-gig house show organized by one of the show’s supporting bands, Bruising, promises a ‘super special guest’. In a crowded living room of a small house, Crutchfield and her twin sister Allison delight those who are luckily to get to the house show to a few acoustic songs.
Waxahatchee is, put simply, incapable of anything less than being wholly enchanting; if the chance arises to catch Waxahatchee support Kurt Vile later this year, it’d be foolish to pass up.
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Words by Ellie Brown.
