I had a drive over to Manchester last night after work. Went to see Waxahatchee at New Century Hall. I parked up five minutes walk away and couldn't get my bearings at all. I know Manchester a bit but it's all so new round there, it looks like some big American city. Had a wander round, good early evening vibe.
The venue, as I've now just read from HJ, has recently been revamped. It's a big old hall with temporary seating. It reminded me of a huge school dinner hall but it's pristine, a 60s build with a modern twist. I can see smaller political parties holding conferences there for some reason.
Support was Indigo Sparkes, Australian folkie, pleasant enough. Waxahatchee is essentially Katie Crutchfield, usually with a band. Tonight she was solo, with just a guitar. I first stumbled across her in 2020 with her album, Saint Cloud, which I've since played to death. Kind of a country, folkie, indie meld of touching songs.
She seems a happy person, you can feel her warmth when she speaks in her Alabama accent. It's a big old hall and a big stage and she managed to pull it off wonderfully. You could hear a pin drop in the space between notes. She has an ability to hit the high notes and hold them there, a very emotional voice.
Lovely evening, well spent, so glad I saw her. Back home in an hour.
