Snocaps: Katie & Allison Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Brad Cook Drop Surprise Debut Album

Indie Rock Supergroup Snocaps Emerges with Unexpected Debut LP

The indie music landscape was recently shaken by the sudden, unannounced arrival of Snocaps, a new supergroup featuring some of the most influential and respected names in contemporary alternative rock. The band, a powerhouse collaboration, is composed of twin sisters Katie Crutchfield (known globally for her work as Waxahatchee) and Allison Crutchfield (Swearin’, solo artist), alongside rising star MJ Lenderman, and renowned producer Brad Cook.

Their self-titled debut album, Snocaps, appeared with virtually no prior warning, immediately capturing the attention of critics and fans who had been anticipating a new collaboration from these artists, though perhaps not in this specific configuration or timing. The surprise release strategy emphasizes the project’s organic, collaborative nature, focusing the spotlight squarely on the music itself.

The Lineup: A Convergence of Indie Rock Expertise

The formation of Snocaps brings together distinct yet complementary talents, promising a sound that synthesizes the members’ individual strengths—from Waxahatchee’s deeply personal songwriting to MJ Lenderman’s raw, Americana-tinged rock.

Katie and Allison Crutchfield: A Reunited Partnership

The core of Snocaps lies in the reunion of the Crutchfield sisters. Katie Crutchfield, under the moniker Waxahatchee, has become one of the defining voices of modern indie rock, celebrated for albums like Saint Cloud and Tigers Blood. Her sister, Allison Crutchfield, has maintained a significant presence through her work in the band Swearin’ and her compelling solo material.

Their musical history is deep, dating back to their early band P.S. Eliot. This shared background and innate creative connection provide the foundation for Snocaps, marking one of their most high-profile collaborations since their early days.

MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook: Adding Depth and Texture

Rounding out the quartet are two figures crucial to the current sound of American independent music:

• MJ Lenderman: Known for his work with the band Wednesday and his increasingly acclaimed solo output, Lenderman brings a distinct, often gritty, and emotionally resonant style to the group. His involvement signals a blend of the Crutchfields’ melodic sensibilities with a more contemporary, lo-fi rock edge.
• Brad Cook: A highly sought-after producer and musician, Cook’s presence is significant. He has previously worked closely with both Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) and MJ Lenderman, serving as a key collaborator and sonic architect for many defining indie records of the last decade. His role in Snocaps likely extends beyond performance, shaping the cohesive sound of the debut.

Cook’s history of facilitating successful, nuanced collaborations—including with artists like Bon Iver and Hiss Golden Messenger—lends immediate credibility and high production value to the Snocaps project.

The Snocaps Album: Initial Reception and Sound

The self-titled debut album arrived as a complete body of work, offering listeners an immediate deep dive into the band’s collective vision. While the members’ individual projects often lean toward specific sonic territories (Waxahatchee’s folk-rock, Lenderman’s alt-country), Snocaps is expected to carve out its own space.

Early analysis suggests the album successfully balances the polished, introspective songwriting characteristic of the Crutchfields with the raw, expansive guitar work that Lenderman is known for. The result is a sound that feels both familiar to fans of their respective catalogs and fresh in its collaborative energy.

The decision to release the album without a traditional promotional cycle—no singles, no lengthy interviews, and no pre-order campaigns—is a bold move that has become increasingly common among established artists seeking to prioritize artistic statement over commercial rollout. This approach generates immediate buzz and rewards dedicated fans who follow the artists closely.

Contextualizing the Collaboration

Supergroups in indie rock often generate high expectations, but the pairing of these specific artists feels particularly natural given their shared history and mutual respect. The Crutchfield sisters have long been supportive of each other’s solo work, but a full-fledged band project involving both of them, plus key figures like Lenderman and Cook, represents a significant creative commitment.

This project follows a trend where established artists, having achieved success in their primary projects, seek out new collaborative avenues to explore different facets of their musical identity. For fans, Snocaps offers a unique opportunity to hear the sisters harmonize and write together in a formal band setting, something that has been rare since P.S. Eliot disbanded.

The Importance of Brad Cook’s Involvement

Brad Cook’s role as the connective tissue cannot be overstated. His ability to foster creative environments where artists feel comfortable experimenting is likely what allowed this high-caliber collaboration to materialize and thrive. Having worked extensively with both Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman, Cook understands the sonic palette and artistic goals of the members, ensuring the Snocaps sound is coherent and intentional, rather than a mere collection of disparate styles.

Key Takeaways: What Fans Need to Know

For listeners discovering Snocaps for the first time, here are the essential facts regarding this major indie rock event:

• The Band: Snocaps is a new supergroup featuring Katie Crutchfield, Allison Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Brad Cook.
• The Album: Their debut is a self-titled LP, Snocaps, released as a surprise drop.
• The Significance: It marks a major reunion and collaboration between the Crutchfield sisters, who were previously bandmates in P.S. Eliot.
• The Sound: Expect a blend of introspective, melodic indie rock songwriting with raw, textured instrumentation, reflecting the members’ diverse but complementary backgrounds.
• The Producer: Brad Cook, a highly respected figure in modern indie production, was integral to the project’s sound and formation.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indie Rock Collaborations

The surprise debut of Snocaps is more than just a novelty; it is a testament to the enduring creative energy within the indie rock community. By bringing together artists who are at the peak of their individual careers, Snocaps promises a project built on genuine mutual respect and a desire to explore new musical territory.

This release immediately becomes one of the most compelling collaborative efforts of the year, offering a substantial and rewarding listen for fans of Waxahatchee, Swearin’, and MJ Lenderman, while establishing Snocaps as a significant entity in its own right. The music industry will undoubtedly be watching to see if this surprise debut is a one-off project or the beginning of a long-term venture for this formidable quartet.