Waxahatchee’s set at Komedia was an electric set of fan favourites and outings of new songs from Out in the Storm. A very professional set indeed – with massive sounds and serious players, Katie Crutchfield is sounding at her most polished.

Allison Crutchfield (Katie’s sister) served as the support, sharing a band with her sister Katie. When the band re-emerge, there’s been an odd wardrobe change between sets and the backing band now come on in formal black suits, everyone on stage is in black. They opened with the slightly slower ‘Recite Remorse’ which, for me, is a subdued way to start the evening. However my own reservations aside, the rest of the crowd are genuinely captivated and have a look of awe in their eyes.

I’d never been to a show in Komedia’s main room before. As a music venue, (although I think we’re in the main comedy room tonight) it’s perfect. It draws the line between being a larger space but keeping a level of intimacy. It’s a big wide room and the stage is set just slightly above the crowd – it really has a sense of sharing the room with the performer.

When Katie Crutchfield picks up her electric guitar (a beautiful sonic blue I might add) things get taken up a notch. The sound is absolutely huge and is true to the studio production on Out in the Storm. The tone and levels are completely spot on and you feel almost like you’re listening in on the studio recording. Waxahatchee brilliantly draw the line between being a rock outfit and a polished pop band. Their songs will work for a more lo-fi audience but this won’t alienate anyone who enjoys more traditional rock songs. Tracks like ‘Silver’ sound perfect live and they’ve really paid attention to the small details of their live sound. Under all the sonic polish there’s an underlying layer of grit in their music. Every end of the EQ is filled and it’s what makes Waxahatchee sound so well rounded on record and live.

There is an element of seriousness to the live show which I found a little disappointing. I was really hoping to see Waxahtachee let rip on stage but I don’t think they’re that kind of band. There are moments where things loosen a little. When they play my favourite ‘Never Been Wrong’ it’s full of grit and sounds as powerful as the recording. Everyone surrounding me clearly isn’t sharing my gripe though and I guess it’s time for me to let go of it. The joy for the fans is seeing both of the Crutchfield sisters and letting the music do the talking.

There’s a point in the set during ‘A Little More’ where some rogue feedback takes over. Whilst it’s clearly uncomfortable for the band, they don’t stray or miss a note whilst they’re trying to work out the source. It really goes to show what pros Waxahatchee are. This one minor fault is the only issue the band have all night. They sound at a level where they could play venues like the Dome in their sleep.

Waxahatchee’s show was exactly what you’d want them to deliver as a fan. They were tight and sounded brilliant. Their set list was full of live favourites and the best cuts from their latest album. There was a lack of performance to the set which was a shame. I’m sure they were, but it’d be nice to see that the band were having a little fun on stage. Regardless, they played a set which was impossible to knock and who can really complain about that?

Chris Middleton

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Twitter: twitter.com/k_crutchfield
Website: waxahatcheemusic.com