The Crane Wives, known for their heart-wrenching lyricism and whimsical storytelling, packed Brooklyn Steel on Saturday, May 10.
Fans appeared eager to be swept away in a fantastical world of whimsy and mayhem. Harnessing a sense of emotional honesty, guttural lyrics are backed by twangy guitar and steady drum beats. They hold roots in the 2010’s folk and indie rock revival.
Around 8pm, Cristina Vane took the stage. She dressed all in black, silver chains and sequins, with her iconic slide guitar in hand. Stemming from a melding of classic rock, pre-war blues, country and bluegrass, Vane’s music had the audience entranced. As she holds on to her musical diversity, her songs touch on themes regarding the end of the world, complexities of relationships and the journey of self-discovery. Christina Vane’s work acts as a roadmap to her life, finding inspiration in artists such as Blind Willie Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt.
Leaving the stage with a roar from the crowd, fans waited in anticipation for the next act. Shortly after 9, the house lights dimmed, a wash of red fanned itself over the audience. Lanterns in hand, a figure donned with a deer mask walked to the stage front. With cheers rising from the audience, the figure placed each lantern down before ominously heading out.
Shortly after, The Crane Wives made their presence known, waving to and fro to the energized pit. Opening with “Scars”, this four-piece band immediately immersed listeners to a faraway world. Enchantment paired with a sense of urgency and angry femininity, stories of past trauma unfold in varying narratives. The group strives to break notions of confinement, while creating more space for queer BIPOC artists in the music community. Emilee Petersmark (guitar/vocals), Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals), Dan Rickabus (drums) and Ben Zito (bass) currently make up the band.
Although The Crane Wives highlighted their most recent album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, they still held room for old favorites. “The Hand That Feeds” had Brooklyn Steel buzzing with energy. Discussing exploitation of the poor and the unruly actions of those in power. Their dark lyricism and mythological storytelling only became enhanced through rhythmic bass lines and vocal harmonies.
The Crane Wives held onto an engaging stage presence throughout the night, the perfect counterbalance to their more melancholic tracks. Clapping in time to the melody of “Curses”, the group wove through their mesmeric narrative with erase. In fact, Petersmark urged fans to get rowdy, concluding with “Black Hole Fantasy” and “Tongues & Teeth.”
Still in the early weeks of their tour, The Crane Wives continue onwards with stops in NC, FL, WI and more.
The Crane Wives- Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, NY- Saturday, May 10, 2025
Setlist: Scars, River Rushing, Allies or Enemies, Metaphor, Queen of Nothing, Never Love an Anchor, Steady Steady, Predator, Say It, The Moon Will Sing, The Hand That Feeds, Bitter Medicine, Arcturus Beaming, Sleeping Giants, Curses
Encore: Black Hole Fantasy, Tongues & Teeth
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