Waxahatchee – Out in the Storm

Album number four from Katie Crutchfield, continuing the upward curve she’s been on since the first Waxahatchee release in 2010. Breezier in tone than previous opus Ivy Tripp, cuts like Silver and Never Been Wrong make their presence felt via fuzzed-out power chords and stirring melodies – think The Breeders at their most woozily pop-centric. Despite all this heavenly sunshine, however, the breathy confessionals beneath tell a different story. 

Out in the Storm proudly flies its flag as a break-up album, albeit one that ignores ‘woe is me’ emo-isms. Instead, Crutchfield uses the death of a relationship to explore the twenty-something human condition and the lies it makes us tell ourselves (‘I first saw you through childish eyes / I was in love with a song,’ she sings, heartbreakingly, on closer Fade). Far too self-aware for her own good, Crutchfield is nonetheless becoming one of indie rock’s finest songwriters – it’s a privilege to witness this talent as it continues to bloom.

Listen to: Hear You, Silver