[2] In February 2011 she released her label debut Charlatans at the Garden Gate, which Rolling Stone magazine praised for its "catchy refrains with multiple meanings," and "ear-tugging melodies with hidden hooks."

"[3] Slant Magazine reviewed Charlatans at the Garden Gate, stating that "the basic mastery of these songs, the way they skip between styles and voices, while maintaining a strict level of lyrical and vocal quality, is a great accomplishment in itself, especially on a debut.

American Songwriter said Tristen had "evolved her sound ... cranking up the complexity, craft and drama; mixing futuristic moments with quirky lullabies and the same biting tongue, sacrificing folk references for ’80s touch points.

[15] The songs on Sneaker Waves were described by Charleston City Paper as showing "traces of twang but more often than not seem to take the ambitious arrangements on C A V E S and filter them through a rich, timeless blend of garage rock, atmospheric country, [and] '60s girl group flourishes.

"[18] Since the release of Charlatans at the Garden Gate Tristen has toured North America with artists including Those Darlins, The Elected, Justin Townes Earle, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons, and Vanessa Carlton.