Back in January, shortly after the release of their latest album Humanhood, The Weather Station played an intimate in-store set at Sonic Boom Records. There was something uniquely satisfying about seeing The Weather Station perform that evening, nestled between the Nine Inch Nails and Joy Division t-shirts hanging on the wall behind them. No frills, no fancy lighting – just Tamara Lindeman, her guitar, and longtime collaborator Ben Whiteley performing a selection of songs off the new album.
The crowd, packed in amongst the vinyl, leaned in as Lindeman played a stripped-down set in a quiet corner of one of the city’s best record shops. “We’ll be doing a proper show in June,” she noted, “with the full band and the lights,” as if to say, this isn’t that. But honestly, their performance felt like more than enough in the moment.
But it is June now, and true to her word, Lindeman was indeed back, full band in tow, to play a proper show at the Concert Hall. And while that in-store show back in January did offer up something unique and special, I was also looking forward to hearing these songs in their more fleshed out form. They didn’t disappoint.
With the set mostly focusing on tracks off the latest album (with a handful of tunes off 2021’s Ignorance as well), the night was structured into three “acts,” with each section specifically curated to feature songs that shared a common theme, or at least similar vibes. The band sounded great, with saxophonist/clarinetist Karen Ng standing out as a particular highlight. Lindeman spoke to the crowd at one point, reflecting on how they typically kick off their tours in Toronto, which can often make for a more tentative feel as the band still finds their footing. This time though, with the tour wrapping up and the band fully in sync, the show had the energy of a triumphant return – they were definitely firing on all cylinders.
So yes, this was quite different than that stripped-down January set featuring just Lindeman and Whiteley, but ultimately each set was quite satisfying in its own way. Full band or acoustic duo, when it comes down to it, it’s all about the songs.
