Indie-rock was on the menu at Beak & Skiff on Saturday June 21, as Waxahatchee brought their summer tour to the orchard. Joined by MJ Lenderman and Hurray For the Riff Raff, there was plenty of music on the schedule for the sold-out show.
Waxahatchee was born from the musical mind of Katie Crutchfield, formerly of P.S. Elliot. Formed in 2010 following the disbandment of P.S. Eliot, Crutchfield has evolved the project from being a solo affair to one that now features a full band. The band released their 6th studio album, Tigers Blood, in 2024 to rave reviews. The album featured MJ Lenderman on guitar and vocals on several tracks.
The early-arriving audience was greeted with a brief rain shower (and subsequent rainbow) along with a set from Hurray For the Riff Raff. The veteran rockers delivered a 40 minute set filled with upbeat and melodic folk-rock, led by singer Alynda Segarra.
Up next was MJ Lenderman. Lenderman, just 26 years of age, has been heralded as a rising star in the music industry. The singer-songwriter, and guitar phenom delivered a 75 minute set of standout, brooding, alternative rock tracks, at times touching on southern rock influences. Tracks like “Toontown” allowed Lenderman to show off his distinct guitar style, while “Bark at the Moon” displayed his creative song style. Lenderman would bring friend and musical collaborator Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) to the stage on “She’s Leaving You”, with Crutchfield adding in harmonies and backing vocals. Lenderman ended his set with “Knockin”, paying homage to the Bob Dylan track “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” in dramatic fashion.
At long last it was time for Waxahatchee. Taking the stage promptly at 9pm to a stunning roar from the audience, the band opened with the lead track from Tigers Blood, “3 Sisters”. The mellow track was the perfect song to get things going, showing off Crutchfield’s stunning vocals, while the singer worked her way across the speaker stacks infront of the stage, shaking hands and greeting those in the front row. The band would follow with “Evil Spawn” and “Ice Cold”.
Early in the set, Lenderman would return to the stage, to lend his guitar and vocals to “Right Back to It” and “Burns out at Midnight”. Lenderman, who was featured heavily on Tigers Blood, offered the perfect gritty balance to Crutchfield’s delicate vocals.
The respect amongst the three bands on the bill this evening was clear. Apart from Crutchfield and Lenderman joining in on each other’s sets, through out the evening members of all bands could be seen side stage singing, dancing, and taking in their peers’ sets. Waxahatchee’s set closer, “Tigers Blood”, saw members of all of the evening’s bands come to the stage, locking arms and singing along to the chorus of beautiful ballad behind Crutchfield, adding a choir-like feel. It is safe to say that indie rock is strong, and Waxahatchee is leading the charge.
The summer concert series at Beak & Skiff rolls on, with Father John Misty taking the stage on July 13. See all of their upcoming shows here.
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