LOS ANGELES, CA- The Crane Wives have steadily become one of the most captivating acts in the indie folk scene, renowned for their emotionally charged lyrics, powerful vocal harmonies, and dynamic live performances. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the band initially came together as friends, exploring their musical roots in folk and Americana, blending storytelling with introspective themes and heartfelt melodies. Since their inception, The Crane Wives have built a dedicated following across the U.S., known for crafting music that resonates deeply with listeners. With Emilee Petersmark, Kate Pillsbury, Dan Rickabus, and Ben Zito forming a tight-knit musical family, their sound has evolved over the years, shifting from a traditional folk foundation to an indie rock and alt-folk fusion that’s both refreshing and profoundly moving.
In support of their latest album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, released on September 6, 2024, The Crane Wives have embarked on a tour showcasing their new material, which critics have lauded as a triumphant chapter in the band’s career. The album is a journey through raw, introspective themes of resilience, heartbreak, and hope, layered over rich, textured instrumentation that expands their sonic landscape without losing their trademark intimacy. Critics have noted that the album demonstrates significant growth in lyrical depth and musical complexity, pushing the boundaries of indie folk while maintaining the band’s authentic, soul-baring style. Beyond Beyond Beyond is perhaps The Crane Wives’ most sonically adventurous album yet filled with electric riffs and percussive layers that bring a renewed energy to their storytelling.
As headliners at The Fonda Theatre, The Crane Wives are riding high on the success of *Beyond Beyond Beyond*. This tour marks a significant milestone for the band, who have come a long way from their humble beginnings, playing small clubs and coffeehouses.
Rett Madison took the stage first, radiating confidence in a vintage-inspired emerald green dress adorned with sequins that shimmered under the lights. The dress, with its dramatic, ruffled sleeves, added a touch of theatrical flair that matched Madison’s bold presence. Her performance was a seamless blend of soulful ballads and personal stories, each song revealing a little more of her heart. She captivated the audience with tales of her roots in Appalachia, joking that every set needed “at least one murder ballad” as the stage lights shifted to a deep crimson hue. Her humor and vulnerability drew listeners closer, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the grand setting of The Fonda Theatre.
Madison’s wit and honesty were magnetic, especially as she shared anecdotes from her journey of self-discovery. At one point, she recounted a pivotal moment at art camp, where she kissed her best friend and began to understand her sexuality. The crowd listened intently, many nodding along, connected by shared experiences and mutual empathy. But it was her voice—a powerful, textured instrument that could hold notes so steady and long that it seemed to suspend time—that truly left the audience in awe. Each note was imbued with raw emotion, inviting listeners to pause, breathe, and feel the weight of her story in each lingering phrase.
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After Rett, there was a brief intermission during which the house played Chappell Roan’s famous song “Hot to Go,” prompting everyone to sing along and spell out “H-O-T T-O G-O.” Throughout the night, the crowd matched the performers’ energy. The roar of the audience shook the walls as The Crane Wives took the stage, launching into their set with a dynamic mix of fresh tracks from their latest album, *Beyond Beyond Beyond.* Pausing between songs, the band reminisced about playing their last L.A. show in a small Venice club, where they did a “disco load-in-load-out” for the next act. This time, headlining at the Fonda, their sound filled every corner of the theater, with longtime fans cheering for familiar songs like “Curses” and “Down the River” from *Foxlore.*
Each performance was charged with emotion and technical skill. Emilee Petersmark’s guitar solos had us on edge; every time she stepped back from the mic, there was a collective anticipation, knowing she’d deliver an incredible guitar riff. The intensity never waned—drummer Dan Rickabus even snapped a drumstick mid-song without missing a beat. Kate Pillsbury’s warm, gritty vocals added another layer of depth, and bassist Ben Zito contributed a cool jazz riff, teaming up with Dan for a rhythmic intro to “Curses.”
As the band wrapped up and left the stage, the crowd wasn’t ready to let them go. A roar of stomping and chanting filled the theater, calling The Crane Wives back out. Emilee returned to the stage, grinning as she remarked on how quickly the audience had fallen into sync to call the band back. They then launched into a climactic encore: Emilee and Kate faced each other in a guitar duel, moving in perfect sync with Dan’s beat. Emilee dropped to her knees, leaning back while Kate knelt over her, and they reached out, strumming on each other’s guitars in a mesmerizing display. Behind them, Ben and Dan locked into a bass-and-drum duel, creating a deep, thunderous finale.
As the night ended, heart hands filled the air on both sides of the pit, a shared connection between the band and their fans. The Crane Wives have come a long way since their small club days, and alongside Rett Madison, they’re reshaping the indie folk landscape with unforgettable performances and passionately crafted music.
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LIVE CLIPS
