WAXAHATCHEE, THE GHOST EASE, US LIGHTS
(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) Waxahatchee, AKA singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield, made her debut with a collection of lo-fi, whispered confessionals on 2012's American Weekend. A year later, the slightly amped-up but just as fragile follow-up, Cerulean Salt, established her as one of the most captivating voices in music today. While Waxahatchee didn't release any new recordings in 2014, Crutchfield's presence was certainly felt on some of the year's strongest albums. She contributed vocals to Radiator Hospital's fantastic sophomore album, Torch Song, her twin sister Allison made a striking solo debut of her own with Lean in to It, and Philadelphia trio Cayetana, who garnered attention touring with Waxahatchee, released Nervous Like Me, a set of intimate pop-punk gems that bring to mind the Crutchfield sisters' previous band, P.S. Eliot. Tonight's show offers the perfect opportunity to catch a preview of Waxahatchee's highly anticipated third album, which is due out on Merge Records in early 2015. CT Also see My, What a Busy Week!
SYD BARRETT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: AUX78, STOCHASTIC METTLE UNION, AMY BLEU
(Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash) As much as his former band Pink Floyd has slowly been moldering into a pile of muck, the legacy of Syd Barrett hasn't lost even a bit of its luster. Much of that is due to his releasing only a pair of winsome and spacey solo records before retreating out of the spotlight. Those albums—The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, both released in 1970—are still amazing glimpses into his fracturing psyche and intuitive melodic sense. To celebrate what would have been the late Barrett's 69th birthday, a group of experimental-leaning locals pay tribute to the man, with sets covering his Floyd days and solo records. I'm equally excited to hear how fusion jazz freaks Stochastic Mettle Union will adapt these tunes to their own ends as I am to hear Barrett's freaked-out fare via Nicholas Matta's solo psych-folk project Aux78. RH Also see My, What a Busy Week!
CRISTINA CANO
(Al's Den, 303 SW 12th) See Sunday's listing.
