The music of The Weather Station has only gotten more nimble over the years. The work of Tamara Lindeman, the main force behind the project, has become more varied in approach. And the latest, Humanhood, deftly skirts the edges of art rock without overstaying its welcome.
"Neon Signs" imagines Joni Mitchell in the future, or at least that's what it sounds like to me. Lindeman's vocals swoop and purr as the track swirls around atop percolating electronics. The more direct "Mirror" nods in the direction of jazz in its backing, but is a winner thanks to Tamara's warm vocals. Those vocals echo the early work of a fellow Canadian too, and it's not the first number here which will recall the earlier, more expansive records from Sarah McLachlan. Far more interesting is "Window", a fluttering hit of a cut, all breathy voices and thumping drums. It's the sort of thing that neatly bridges the mainstream with more experimental forms. Fans of the underrated Jane Siberry should find this one a success.
The Weather Station continues to chart a path unique in the current indie scene. These compositions are fairly ornate. Still, Humanhood is an album that's easy to sink into. So much of the reason why is Tamara Lindeman's voice, an instrument which is deployed smartly across the spectrum of moods of the compositions of this new release.
Humanhood by The Weather Station is out now via Fat Possum.
[Photo: Brendan George Ko]