SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE WEATHER STATION – HUMANHOOD

THE WEATHER STATION
HUMANHOOD
NEXT DOOR RECORDS/FAT POSSUM

At the core of The Weather Station is Tamara Lindeman. It has always been her project and vision. Humanhood is the seventh album and the first album since the very successful and critically acclaimed How Is It That I Should Look At Stars (2022). Humanhood is an interesting album musically and lyrically. It is not easy listening, but it is, no doubt, an important release for Lindeman.

The album opens with a short instrumental, setting the stage for the emotional package to follow. “Descent”, is the musical equivalent of a storm brewing and is followed by “Neon Signs”. The opening lines of “Neon Signs” makes it clear that this is not going to be a pleasant pop album. “I’ve gotten used to feeling like I’m crazy/Or just lazy.” Lindeman almost whispers the line as if it is an effort to sing. But this song establishes that the listener is going on an inward journey with Lindeman and her band is providing the necessary soundtrack.

This leads into the fractured sounding “Mirror” which has an interesting arrangement, and once again, the music reflects the painful lyrics. “Window” which follows is perhaps the most accessible song on the album. Perhaps not lyrically, but musically it is a bright breath of fresh air and is not as heavy as the other tracks. It is the glimmer of, perhaps false, hope. It is a deeply personal album, and much like listening to Jane Siberry, or Roger Waters, or Bob Dylan or Ian Curtis at their most revealing and inner personal lyrics, it can be uncomfortable. But that is the point. Musically and lyrically, it should bring the listener discomfort.

Lindeman does end on a somewhat of a positive note with the moving and sparse “Sewing”. Like fixing a piece of clothing or bringing pieces together, Lindeman uses the analogy of sewing to tie all the threads together. It does have the sense of renewal with a tinge of hopefulness. It brings to mind Chaplin’s famous speech at the end of The Great Dictator. “I’m taking pictures of the sky again,” sings Lindeman. There is a strong sense that she can move forward.

Humanhood is a brilliant album. This is music and lyrics coming together as an clear art form and the album is not meant for the top of the charts (although there is no reason why it shouldn’t, given the quality of music), but rather an artist expressing herself and touching people. And by doing so, others may find solace and comfort.

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