A sibling reunion that strikes a chord: Snocaps' new album is a joyous, melodic indie-rock experience.
There’s a Bruce Springsteen quote that often pops up in therapy sessions, and it perfectly frames what Snocaps is doing here: he spoke about a car filled with all the people you used to be, saying, “A new self can get in, but the old selves can’t ever get out.” On their debut album as Snocaps, the Crutchfield sisters tap into this bittersweet idea with a dose of optimism. They reconnect with the creative spark they shared in their early years, while also celebrating the ways they’ve grown and changed through time apart.
In the fifteen years since they left P.S. Eliot, the raw, punky band that first put them on the map, the twins have largely evolved side by side, occasionally collaborating while pursuing their own artistic directions. This record beautifully merges Allison’s catchy, intricate indie-rock sensibilities honed with Swearin’ and Katie’s reflective Americana touches from her work with Waxahatchee. The result is a project that highlights how their early sibling synergy has matured into something richer and more refined.
With the support of longtime collaborators MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook—both central to Waxahatchee’s acclaimed 2024 LP 'Tigers Blood'—the sisters craft songs that feel warm, effortless, and engaging. The arrangements are deliberately uncluttered, giving space for Allison’s twisting hooks and Katie’s understated yet dramatic vocals to shine. Lenderman’s steady guitar work complements the mostly minimalist guitar, bass, and drum setup, making room for subtle, impressive musical layers to emerge.
Tracks like Katie-led 'Doom' exemplify a slow-building intensity that never feels forced, while Allison’s 'Over Our Heads' races forward with tightly constructed melodies offset by a laid-back, Camper Van Beethoven-style groove. 'Heathcliff' showcases jangly, picked bass lines reminiscent of The Go-Betweens, with a hook that lingers in your mind, echoing some of Allison’s most compelling solo work on 2017’s 'Tourist In This Town.' Katie’s 'Wasteland' adds a touch of alt-country grit to a chorus as captivating as anything preceding it.
Snocaps are set to play a handful of shows before the end of the year, after which they may vanish, perhaps permanently. There’s something perfectly fitting about this potential conclusion: the Crutchfields, both individually and together, have built reputations in the indie-rock scene that allow them these brief, creative detours. Think of it like R.E.M. playing behind Warren Zevon for a few months in the '80s, or Kim Deal making 'Pacer' with the Amps instead of continuing with the Breeders. Part of the album’s charm lies in its fleeting nature—a high-quality, low-pressure gem, waiting to be discovered by listeners along the way.
Details:
- Record label: Anti-
- Release date: October 31, 2025
