Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield takes a confident stride forward with “Tigers Blood,” a new chapter in her musical journey. Building on the acclaimed Americana sound of “Saint Cloud” and her 2022 collaboration “Plains,” Crutchfield reunites with producer Brad Cook to fully embrace this sonic landscape. The result is a collection perfectly tailored to her introspective lyrics.
Themes of relationships, self-doubt, and personal growth course through “Tigers Blood” with raw honesty. Crutchfield’s vocals, bolstered by MJ Lenderman’s harmonies, convey a newfound groundedness, especially in the tender duets like “Evil Spawn” and “Right Back to It.”
While hints of Crutchfield’s indie rock past peek through in tracks like “Ice Cold” and the energetic “Bored,” the album truly shines in its Americana heart. Songs like “Lone Star Lake,” “Crowbar,” “Crimes of the Heart,” and the title track showcase Crutchfield’s natural twang, backed by Phil Cook’s subtle banjo for a deeply resonant, earthy feel.
Crutchfield’s lyrical prowess is on full display. Her intricate verses explore themes of personal development, nostalgia, and self-reflection. The album exists in the quiet aftermath of her journey toward sobriety, with a sense of clarity emerging from the stillness. Each song feels like a personal glimpse, inviting listeners to share in Crutchfield’s introspective world and quiet strength. – Jason Felton