Saint Cloud

Saint Cloud represents a major stylistic shift for Waxahatchee, moving away from the lo-fi punk and '90s-influenced indie rock of Out in the Storm toward a lush, traditional Americana sound. Recorded after Katie Crutchfield's decision to get sober, the album serves as a sonic manifestation of that clarity. Produced by Brad Cook, the record features members of the band Bonny Doon, whose laid-back, rolling instrumentation provides the perfect foil for Crutchfield's sharp songwriting. The album was largely inspired by the landscapes of her youth and the classic country influences of Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris. Upon its release in March 2020, it became an immediate critical darling, frequently cited as a career-best work that redefined modern alt-country. Its themes of recovery, place, and self-forgiveness resonated deeply, particularly as it arrived at the onset of global lockdowns, offering a sense of peace and perspective.