The Weather Station – “Ignorance” Review
After four years of waiting, Canadian indie folk phenomenon the Weather Station has released their fourth album “Ignorance.”
The album was released last Friday with frontwoman singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman leaving listeners’ ears hook, line and sinker.
Although members have changed over the years since the band’s formation in Toronto in 2006, the Weather Station consists of Ben Whiteley (bass), Will Kidman (electric guitar and keys) and Ian Kehoe (drums).
On first impression, listeners will immediately realize the difference compared to the other works of this band’s discography.
What greets the listeners ears are the slick, almost jazzy orchestral grooves of “Robber” and “Atlantic,” soon followed by the loud percussive beats of “Tried to Tell You” and “Parking Lot.”
It’s quite apparent that the Weather Station brings forward a completely different energy in their newest work with more use of synths, string instruments and jazz instrumentals.
The orchestra in the background is on point, further fueling that warm and upbeat atmosphere that’s present at the beginning. It’s a lot livelier and a little poppier compared to Lindman’s rock-spirited self-titled LP and the more minimalist folksiness of “All of It Was Mine.”
Regardless, it takes nothing away from the record and manages to be an enriching and enthralling experience all throughout.
One may interpret the latter half of the album as inconsistent, but the transition from peppy and energetic to a deeper, softer tone is quite smooth and works rather well.
What makes this Toronto-based folk band so interesting is the fact that it's so non-one-dimensional. Each song provides a wide array of vignettes and perspectives. Each track is so varied in theme that it makes the listening experience so colorful and fascinating.
“Separated” details the divisiveness of society and how people put up barriers in between themselves. Instead of choosing to be more understanding toward one another, people have become more hostile and committed to disagreement.
The artist also explores love and loss and grief, and the strangeness of human behavior.
Themes of nature and the innate beauty of the environment are consistent in past projects from Lindeman and have their place in “Ignorance” as well.
Tamara Lindeman’s long-time advocacy for acting against climate change is no secret and spearheads this release. Conversation about rising sea levels, global temperatures and human society’s harm toward biological life take the forefront.
“Tried to Tell You” and “Atlantic” detail and awaken that sense of awe while looking at a sunset or the blue clouds passing over the mountains.
It compels the audience to think about how these feelings completely contrast society’s lack of action against protecting the environment and doing the right thing, giving meaning to the album’s title.
The Weather Station wants fans to open their minds and consider the severity of the global climate crisis.
Overall, this album is another great addition to an already great catalogue of musical projects, leaving a highly optimistic mindset for future releases.
First time listeners and longtime indie folk fans alike will find enjoyment out of this absolute banger while also leaving with a sense of self-reflection and connection with Lindeman’s observations. And, more importantly, a greater appreciation for Mother Earth.
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Atlantic,” “Tried to Tell You,” “Parking Lot”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Song: “Wear”
Jon Mead is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.
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