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Helen Ballentine – who records as Skullcrusher – has announced a run of Fall shows in what will be her first U.S tour. The Los Angeles-based songwriter is earning her a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young recording artists. Having her first two EPs met with international acclaim, Ballentine is set to take the much loved songs from Skullcrusher EP and Storm In Summer on the road. Tickets for all shows go on sale this coming Friday morning, April 30th, at 10AM local time. (Ticket links HERE).
In conjunction with the tour announcement Skullcrusher have also unveiled a live performance, filmed in LA’s Topanga Canyon, and viewable exclusively via YouTube HERE.
Within a short space of time Skullcrusher has caught the attention of fans and critics alike, with Storm in Summer garnering praise for capturing the tension, and the complexity, of public existence, artistic or otherwise, in 2021. Working closely with her partner – the multi-instrumentalist Noah Weinman – Ballentine is as influenced by ambient electronica as she is by Nick Drake and her songwriting paints diaristic vignettes; delicate, woozy images that swirl around in the often intricate instrumentation. It’s a skill that has rightfully earned her widespread acclaim as one of music’s most exciting, and intriguing, new talents. For fans outside of Los Angeles, this is the very first opportunity to catch the elegant beauty of a Skullcrusher live set.
Run, don’t walk:
DATE CITY VENUE
Mon Nov 29 Seattle, WA Barboza
Tue Nov 30 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios
Thu Dec 02 Oakland, CA Starline Social Club
Fri Dec 03 Los Angeles, CA Lodge Room
Fri Dec 10 Washington, DC DC9
Sat Dec 11 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
Sun Dec 12 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall
Wed Dec 15 New York, NY Elsewhere – Zone One
Early Praise for Skullcrusher:
“To say Helen Ballentine had a stratospheric twelve months is quite the understatement.” – Line Of Best Fit
“It’s a deft record, tranquil on its surface but torrid underneath, its loosely strummed acoustic guitars and vaporous melodies rooted to the ground by probing lyrics.”
The Fader
“Lovely, captivating, and quietly devastating.”
Pitchfork
“The solo project of the Los Angeles-based artist Helen Ballentine revels in
tense moments, hard emotions and uncertain outcomes… smart, insightful
sounds that draw on classic forms but explore them from inventive new angles.”
Los Angeles Times
“…It’s placid and romantic, but it’s also broken and trying to heal.”
Paste
“It’s clear in listening to Skullcrusher that these songs weren’t conjured up in a boardroom or even a studio, they are packed with an intensity that can only come from being alone. This effect is what leads to one of the most compelling aspects of the EP. Ballentine is able to make her listener power down and do just that: listen.”
Office Magazine
“The lifting of her voice to deliver this catharsis knocks you out of your
daydream, and you realise that all these thoughts have been leaving an
imperceptible strain on the singer, who suddenly cracks – and the pure
vulnerability is stunning.”
Beats Per Minute
“Softly devastating.”
Gorilla Vs. Bear
“The music sometimes seems to melt into the vocals so that you less have to
listen to it than bathe in it.”
PopMatters
“Storm in Summer (is) a worthy follow-up to what came before, and a sign that there should be plenty more great things to come.” – Flood
“LA musician Helen Ballentine is continuing to prove why she’s someone you should be keeping your eyes on.” – DIY
“Storm In Summer” is (a) musical and artistic triumph” – Under The Radar
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