Reviewing Snocaps: The Rise of Katie, Allison Crutchfield, and the Americana Supergroup with MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook

Snocaps Debut Signals a New Chapter for Indie Music’s Crutchfield Sisters

Birmingham, Alabama – A new band, Snocaps, has emerged onto the music scene with a surprise debut album, spearheaded by twins Allison and katie Crutchfield.Even though recently formed,the duo possesses a musical history stretching back too their teenage years,promising a sound steeped in experience and familial harmony.

Early Roots and Separate Paths

Allison and Katie Crutchfield initially formed The Ackleys while still in high school in Birmingham, Alabama, a group that disbanded as members pursued higher education. They later re-emerged as P.S. Eliot in 2007, gaining acclaim for two albums of introspective indie rock before parting ways in 2011 to explore individual creative avenues. This period saw Allison front the indie-rock band Swearin’ and release a solo album, while Katie found success as Waxahatchee, evolving her sound toward a more country-influenced style. over the past fourteen years, they occasionally collaborated, most recently with a 2016 reunion of P.S. Eliot and a 2023 performance titled “Katie And Allison Crutchfield Sing The Songs They Loved At 16.”

Forging a New sound with Snocaps

Snocaps expands upon the creative partnership of the Crutchfield sisters with the addition of MJ Lenderman on guitar and drums, and Brad Cook, returning as producer after his work on recent Waxahatchee albums, occasionally contributing on bass. The resulting sound on the self-titled debut album is described as a unique blend of their past projects,while incorporating fresh influences.

Musical Influences and Album Style

The band draws inspiration from a range of artists, with “Hide” evoking the mood of The Velvet Underground alongside the melodic sensibility of The Shirelles. “Brand New City” showcases the jangly energy of The Byrds,while other tracks echo the sounds of The Rain Parade and the Bangles.According to critics, Snocaps delivers a crisp, catchy sound reminiscent of the Paisley underground, but rooted in Southern musical tradition.

the album highlights a newfound confidence in the vocals and songwriting of both Crutchfield sisters.While not aiming for a grandiose statement, the music conveys a sense of joy and camaraderie. Lenderman’s guitar work enhances the sound, providing both texture and punch, while Cook’s production provides space for the sisters’ unique vocal blend-often described as a “blood harmony,” an intimate vocal connection believed to be exclusive to family.

A Decade and a Half in the Making

Snocaps doesn’t represent a mere reunion, but rather a culmination of the individual journeys of both musicians over the last decade and a half. This is notably evident in the paired tracks “Coast” and “Coast II.” The first, “Coast,” bursts with energy and a celebration of life, while the stripped-down “Coast II” – seemingly a raw demo – offers a poignant reflection on the collaborative process. As of november 2023, self-reliant music sales were up 14% compared to the previous year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, showcasing a growing appreciation for artist-driven projects like Snocaps.

Artist/Band	Years Active	Key Characteristics
The Ackleys	Early 2000s	early indie rock, formative band for the Crutchfield sisters.
P.S. Eliot	2007-2011	earnest, anxious indie rock.
Swearin’	2010s	Scrappy indie-rock.
Waxahatchee	2010s-present	Evolving from stormy guitar rock to indie country.
Snocaps	2024-Present	Indie rock blended with 60’s rock influences.

The Enduring Appeal of Sibling Collaborations

Musical partnerships between siblings frequently enough carry a unique resonance. The shared history, innate musical connection, and emotional depth can translate into performances and recordings that feel profoundly intimate. Beyond Snocaps, examples like The Civil Wars, Haim, and Oasis demonstrate the diverse creative possibilities inherent in such collaborations. Did You Know? The Osmonds, a family singing group, achieved massive commercial success in the 1970s and 80s, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

Pro Tip: When discovering new artists, exploring their influences can provide deeper insight into their sound and artistic vision. Many artists freely discuss their inspirations in interviews and on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions about Snocaps

What is Snocaps’ musical style?

Snocaps blends indie rock with influences from 1960s bands like The Velvet Underground and The Byrds.

Who are the members of Snocaps?

The band consists of Allison and Katie Crutchfield, along with MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook.

What is the significance of “Coast” and “Coast II” on the album?

These tracks represent the range of the band’s approach to songwriting, from exuberant energy to stripped-down intimacy.

What previous bands did the Crutchfield sisters play in?

Allison played in Swearin’, while Katie is known for her work with waxahatchee. They both were in The Ackleys and P.S. Eliot.

How does Snocaps differ from the Crutchfield sisters’ previous work?

Snocaps represents a synthesis of their individual musical journeys, creating a unique collaborative sound.

What are your initial impressions of Snocaps’ sound? and how do you think their previous projects have influenced this new venture?

How did the collaborative environment during the *Saint Cloud* sessions contribute to the formation of Snocaps?

The Genesis of a Collaboration: From Solo Projects to Snocaps

Snocaps, the self-titled debut album released in September 2023, wasn’t born in a vacuum. It’s the culmination of years of individual artistry from Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee), Allison Crutchfield (Swirlies, P.S.Eliot), MJ Lenderman (Wednesday), and Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee). Understanding the individual trajectories of these musicians is key to appreciating the unique alchemy of Snocaps.

* Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee): Known for her introspective songwriting and evolving sound,from lo-fi indie to polished Americana. Albums like Saint Cloud (2020) established her as a leading voice in contemporary American songwriting.

* Allison Crutchfield: A prolific artist with a diverse discography spanning indie rock, dream pop, and experimental sounds. Her work often explores themes of identity and vulnerability.

* MJ Lenderman (Wednesday): Lenderman’s band, Wednesday, has garnered critical acclaim for their blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and Americana influences. Lenderman’s guitar work is a defining characteristic.

* Brad cook: A highly sought-after producer and multi-instrumentalist, Cook’s fingerprints are all over some of the most acclaimed indie albums of the past decade. His production style is known for its warmth and textural depth.

The seeds of Snocaps were sown during the Saint Cloud sessions, where Cook and Katie Crutchfield began experimenting with looser, more improvisational songwriting. This evolved into a collaborative project with the Crutchfield sisters and Lenderman, eventually solidifying into the four-piece we certainly know as Snocaps.

Deconstructing the Sound: Americana, indie Rock, and Beyond

Snocaps isn’t easily categorized. While rooted in Americana music, the band deftly incorporates elements of indie rock, jangle pop, and even touches of country. The album’s sound is characterized by:

* harmonic Vocals: The interplay between Katie and Allison Crutchfield’s vocals is a standout feature, creating a rich and layered sonic texture.

* Lenderman’s Guitar Work: MJ Lenderman’s distinctive guitar style, often incorporating melodic leads and subtle textures, adds a crucial element to the band’s sound.

* Brad Cook’s Production: Cook’s production emphasizes space and dynamics, allowing the individual instruments to breathe and creating a sense of intimacy.

* Songwriting Approach: The band’s songwriting process is notably collaborative and improvisational, resulting in songs that feel both carefully crafted and spontaneous.

This blend of influences sets Snocaps apart from their individual projects, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. listeners familiar with Waxahatchee’s discography will recognize Katie Crutchfield’s lyrical sensibility, but the overall sonic landscape is substantially different.

Key Tracks and Lyrical Themes

several tracks on the self-titled album highlight the band’s strengths.

1. “Neon Blue”: A standout track showcasing the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. The song explores themes of longing and disillusionment.
2. “Bad Luck”: Driven by a driving rhythm section and Lenderman’s signature guitar work, “Bad Luck” is a more energetic offering.
3. “Return”: Demonstrates the band’s harmonic vocal interplay and lyrical depth.
4. “Pray”: A slower, more atmospheric track that highlights the band’s ability to create mood and texture.

Lyrically, Snocaps delves into themes of relationships, memory, loss, and the complexities of modern life. The lyrics are frequently enough poetic and evocative, leaving room for interpretation. The album doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, offering a raw and honest portrayal of human experience. Fans of indie folk and choice country will find much to connect with in the band’s lyrical content.

The Impact of Collaboration: A Supergroup Dynamic

The term “supergroup” is often overused,but in the case of Snocaps,it feels apt. The combined talent and experience of these four musicians have resulted in something truly special. The collaborative dynamic allows each member to push their creative boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

* Synergy: The interplay between the musicians is seamless, creating a sense of synergy that elevates the music beyond the sum of its parts.

* Mutual Respect: The band members clearly have a deep respect for each other’s artistry, allowing them to experiment and take risks.

* Shared Vision: Despite their diverse backgrounds, the band shares a common vision for the project, resulting in a cohesive and unified sound.

This collaborative spirit is evident in the album’s production and songwriting, creating a listening experience that is both engaging and rewarding.The band’