Weekend Warrior, March 1 – 3

It’s not uncommon in this day and age to search for a certain depth in music and come up short. Often, many artists are simply unable to make that important connection with their audience, and upon listening, it’s clear that something remains lacking. Fortunately, this factor, as it would seem, comes naturally to Katie Crutchfield, the driving force behind Waxahatchee. From first listen, one can feel the lamenting fragility and uncertainty evident in her songwriting; its sincerity and genuine quality is something that is to be celebrated. Her new album, entitled Cerulean Salt, continues this trend of unforgettable, unfiltered honesty that the Waxahatchee project has built its reputation upon. This time, though, Crutchfield enlists her boyfriend Keith Spencer (from the band Swearin’) and her sister’s boyfriend Kyle Gilbride (who is also in Swearin’) for some assistance to flesh out her songs. On most of the album, Waxahatchee abandons the simplicity of her lone acoustic guitar, and implements the use of percussion and bass. In doing so, she creates a certain resonance that improves a product that you have already viewed as a beautiful work of art. Performing with Katie tonight will be her West Philly housemates and twin sister Allison Crutchfield’s louder and less subdued musical venture, Swearin’. The group’s self-titled effort was delivered with a similar honesty as Waxahatchee, but continued on the predestined punk rock path of their previous project P.S. Eliot. You’re invited to the family affair as they celebrate the release of Cerulean Salt at the Golden Tea House along with welcomed Michigan transplant Radiator Hospital and new Tiny Engines signees Cayetana. Prepare yourself for all the sing-alongs and attitude that only the underbelly of West Philly can offer. And don’t forget to be punk-tual; this is not a show that you want to sleep on. Golden Tea House, (Please contact questions@guildshows.com.), 7:30pm, $5 – $7 Donation, All Ages – Ed Newton