Waxahatchee's Musical Evolution: A Journey Through Saint Cloud and Tigers Blood

Waxahatchee, the musical project of Katie Crutchfield, released its fifth album, *Saint Cloud*, on March 27, 2020, just as the world was grappling with the onset of the pandemic. Departing from her earlier indie rock sound, Crutchfield embraced the country influences of her Alabama roots and the storytelling style of Lucinda Williams. The album, characterized by rich production and wistful melodies, was unfortunately deprived of live performances during its initial release, leaving fans yearning for the communal experience of concerts. In April 2020, author Jia Tolentino captured this longing in a viral tweet, envisioning the joy of experiencing *Saint Cloud* live. A year later, Crutchfield performed two solo shows in London, where she debuted songs from her follow-up album, *Tigers Blood*. The new material showcased her unique melodic style, making the recorded versions feel instantly familiar to those who attended the live performances. Rather than drastically changing her sound, Crutchfield refined the essence of *Saint Cloud* in *Tigers Blood*, with lyrics reflecting themes of personal growth and the complexities of long-term love. During a recent performance at Kentish Town Forum, Crutchfield created an atmosphere of anticipation with an a cappella introduction to "3 Sisters," before the full band joined in, creating a powerful musical release. The setlist primarily featured songs from her last two albums, highlighting a polished sound filled with intricate vocal harmonies and emotional depth. At 35, Crutchfield resonates with an audience navigating the subtleties of mid-life changes, transforming her closing song "Fire" into a quiet anthem about wisdom and mindfulness. Her music suggests that while life’s changes may not always be dramatic, they are nonetheless significant and deserving of attention.