Dubbed “the next great Canadian singer-songwriter”, The Weather Station is the project of Toronto’s Tamara Lindema, whose delicate and beautiful yet precise and complex music has been acclaimed all over the world. And last night she had the pleasure of showcasing it in the first Sydney Festival performance for 2016; opening The Famous Spiegeltent in the festival’s 40th year.
Tackling what she calls the “classic folk music topic of anxiety”, with songs that are “about trying not to think too much”, there is lyrical splendour in her lyrics – though its her stunning vocals that carry you through. The music is understated in its complexity, Tamara accompanied by a bassist and a drummer for most of the set, though her guitar – mostly electric but at times acoustic – leads the way.
Finger picking her guitar, Tamara is mesmerising – though this isn’t a jam session. Every note has been considered, every beat has been meticulously planned. There are rarely choruses, there is no convention. This is not music for the casual, impatient listener. But unlike many other artists who attack their music with similar care, there is variety to her sound. Some songs are quieter than others (as she quipped, “if that’s even possible”), and others build with restrained intensity.
As the rain appropriately fell outside (much to their apologies), “Don’t Understand” opened up the 15 track setlist, which ran for the typical hour long duration the venue is known for. Highlights included “I Mined”, the slightly groovy “Know it to See It”, the beautiful “Like Sisters” and “The Way It Is/Way It Could Be”, which was the first track off her latest record Loyalty. The night ended with “Tapes” and the heartbreaking line ‘I’m older now than you ever were, or ever would become.’
Tamara’s music is not commercial, nor made for mass consumption. Though comparisons are made to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling – the former being much more apt than the rather lazy latter – it’s unlikely she’ll find the success of either. But you don’t get the impression she’s after that by any means.
These are personal lyrics – be they about the loss of a friend, personal anxiety or a bug infestation in the Toronto Summer – and beautiful as they may be, witnessing her performing them feels slightly voyeuristic; as though you’re peering in on someone as they share their stories and their secrets. The storytelling nature of her lyrics is classic – but the music of Tamara Lindema is very much her own. And anyone who enjoys her music would not have walked away from that experience disappointed. She’s an impressive talent indeed.
The Weather Station perform again tonight at Sydney Festival. For more details head to: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/
Photo by Jamie Williams/Sydney Festival
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