Waxahatchee's Cerulean Salt: A Voice Unbound

Waxahatchee, the musical project of Katie Crutchfield, has released its second album, Cerulean Salt. This new work demonstrates a significant increase in assurance and clarity compared to her debut, American Weekend. The opening track, "Hollow Bedroom," immediately highlights the steadiness and confidence in Crutchfield's vocal delivery.

While the album begins with guitar and voice, much like its predecessor, Cerulean Salt boasts a more professional recording quality. Recorded in Philadelphia, the intimate feel is enhanced by the cleaner sound, drawing the listener closer to Crutchfield's defiant message. The album's lyrical themes delve into the experiences of young people on the road, exploring vagrant wisdom and transient relationships.

Crutchfield, a prolific songwriter since her early teens, has a history in various musical projects, including those with her twin sister. Her music often reflects a drifter's perspective, capturing the reality of teenage wanderlust. Cerulean Salt features songs that touch on the realities of crash pads and fleeting commitments, set against a backdrop of vibrant, sometimes distorted, musical arrangements.