by Nick Levi (@nick.g.levi)
Austin-based band Annabelle Chairlegs arrives with their third full-length studio album, and it may well be their most assured yet. Waking Up is a record where emotional depth meets the distinctive vocals of Lindsey Mackin and the production instincts of Ty Segall — the result being a well-balanced, full-course serving of good old garage rock.
What's immediately striking is the stylistic range Annabelle Chairlegs pulls off here, moving fluidly between fuzzy, gritty garage-rock textures, melodic hooks, and 1960s-inflected pop sensibilities. "Concrete Trees," a sobering meditation on losing a friend, echoes the classic rock ballads of the '60s with heavy rhythm guitars, while tracks like "Above It All" and "Sally" unfold more gently — carried by acoustic guitar and Mackin's soaring high notes.
The album drifts from garage rock to road-movie reverie to something occasionally resembling beach music, yet never loses its modern footing or internal coherence. It's the kind of record that rewards repeated listens, revealing new textures and subtle details with each spin.
Credit for that belongs not only to the band, but to producer Ty Segall, whose creative direction sharpens the album's final energy without dulling any of its edges. Mackin's gritty, almost mechanical vocal textures are honed and refined here, yet her melodic instincts remain fully intact. Whether a track conjures a '90s garage rehearsal space, a sun-drenched '60s outdoor concert, or a late-night highway drive, her playful, expressive voice anchors it all and guides the listener through the album's indie rock procession with confidence.
Thematically, Waking Up is as varied as it is musically. The record moves through presence, grief, and states of consciousness — but even its heaviest moments never feel oppressive. There's a careful emotional intelligence at work throughout, ensuring that darker themes are handled with nuance rather than melodrama. The cover art, depicting the band's vocalist falling through clouds, captures this balance well: a dreamlike atmosphere grounded by thoughtful, considered lyricism.
Above all, Waking Up is a statement of creative confidence and artistic maturity. Every track feels purposeful, every verse delivered with conviction. Where their first two LPs established Annabelle Chairlegs as a fixture on Austin's indie rock scene, this lo-fi rock and '60s-tinged pop release elevates them to something more.