Kazoo! and CSA host acclaimed songwriter following her stop at SXSW
Fresh off a tour that included a highly praised set at SXSW (garnering mentions from Rolling Stone and The New York Times), indie-label folk artist Tamara Lindeman put on a gorgeous performance for those lucky enough to be in attendance this past Thursday in downtown Guelph. Better known as The Weather Station, Lindeman has crafted a name for herself through poetic passages carefully and tastefully sung to elegant roots compositions, recreated live by Ben Whiteley on bass, Ian Kehoe on drums, and Will Kidman on electric guitar. In its first major event following its recent decision to host more concerts, Royal City Church provided the perfect venue for the subtleties that make this act so great.
Better known for her softer compositions, Lindeman performed mostly the more upbeat material from her recent self-titled release. “I had loud things to say and I wanted to say them loudly,” said Lindeman, explaining her new folk-rock sound. This shift in creative direction has opened up a whole new medium for Lindeman to work in and has allowed the band to perform at a slew of larger festivals and venues. But, ultimately, The Weather Station is still best heard in the quietest of places. Lindeman clearly felt at home in the room and took the opportunity to play a few extra solo acoustic numbers for the attentive audience. The ebb and flow of Lindeman’s guitar-vocal synthesis is akin to standing alone on a calm night under the stars, when the slightest breeze drifting across the back of your neck reminds you how alive you really are.
At the moment, The Weather Station may just be one of the best acts in Canadian music. And as beautiful as the recordings are, you really need to hear this crystal clear voice in person.
Photo by Alex Harris