Photos by Dylan Simmons
Last weekend, I had a major epiphany: I haven’t unlocked my full potential as a human being, because I have yet to form an indie rock band with my sister. And what could’ve possibly brought about such a life-altering realization?
Watching Snocaps perform live.
I was lucky enough to catch Snocaps’ LA show at the Teragram Ballroom downtown — no small feat given that their recent tour was only seven shows long (hopefully, more to come!). My official introduction to Snocaps was through singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman, an instrumentalist for the band, as well as their leading single “Coast.” But I wasn’t familiar with Snocaps’ frontwomen: twin sisters Katie — creator of the indie music project Waxahatchee — and Allison Crutchfield. As someone who’s always looking for new artists to obsess over, I arrived at the Teragram eager to see what Snocaps had up their sleeve.
From the very first song (which was, indeed, “Coast”), I was immediately charmed by Katie and Allison’s soulful, crooning vocals — their subtle twang evidence of their Alabama upbringing — blending together in perfect harmony. The sisters appeared completely at home onstage, effortlessly alternating between upbeat indie rock anthems and softer acoustic ballads. Their energy was so relaxed and easygoing, you’d think they’d been playing this particular show for years, yet they performed with such joy and passion, it was like they were breathing life into each song for the very first time.
In addition to playing hits off their new self-titled LP, the band also performed tunes by Waxahatchee, P.S. Eliot — Katie and Allison’s pop punk band that they formed in high school — and Swearin’, Allison’s solo music project. One of the standouts for me was a song called “Angel Wings,” as I was struck by both the simplicity and power of its lyrics: “Maybe I loved you / But I hit the gas / And I live with it / All things must pass.” These words perfectly encapsulate the unique heartbreak and regret that come with walking away from someone you love, and later realizing that you may have left too soon. Katie and Allison have mastered candid, warm, and human storytelling through song, a sensibility that permeates their entire discography.
To top it all off, the Teragram was the perfect venue for Snocaps’ intimate, stripped down setlist. It was cozy enough to feel like Katie and Allison were singing directly to us folks in the audience, and when I closed my eyes, I imagined sitting next to a campfire under the stars while the sisters serenaded me. But make no mistake, the energy inside the Teragram was palpable: there was barely a phone in sight, as many a concertgoer was too busy hootin’, hollerin’, and dancing with reckless abandon.
Given that the person standing next to me knew every word to every song (no exaggeration), it’s obvious that Snocaps’ fanbase is nothing short of devoted. And after seeing them perform live, they’ve certainly made a fan out of me, too. I suppose it’s time to give my own sister a call… I’ve got an idea…
Check out Snocaps’ album here:
