Canadian folk outfit The Weather Station have evolved over the years from the solo recordings of frontwoman Tamara Lindeman to the full band outfit they are today, a lineup that now includes two drummers and a saxophonist, as well a string section, synths and clarinet. However, one constant since their debut album The Line was released back in 2009 has been the quality of Lindeman’s songwriting, and on Ignorance, their fifth full-length studio offering, it’s that that remains central to all they do well.

Opening number Robber is immediately arresting, a delicious jazz-infused affair that drifts along, while Parking Lot dances mournfully on it’s beautiful piano melody. Wear is a delightful track, the sparsest accompaniment here and the song on which Lindeman’s incredible voice perhaps shines brightest, and bears noticeable similarities to the great Joni Mitchell. The ghostly Subdivisions is a wonderful way to close out the album.

Lindeman has become a voice in the battle to fight climate change in recent years, and it’s impossible to ignore that theme, as well as wider references to wildlife and the natural world, running through Ignorance. On Atlantic she sings: “Thinking I should get all this dying off of my mind / I should really know better than to read the headlines”, while Trust sees Lindeman implore: “Bring me all the evidence: the baskets of wild roses, the crumpled petals and misshapen heads of reeds and rushes, the bodies of the common birds, robins, crows, and thrushes / Everything that I have loved and all the light touches while we still have time”.

Ignorance then is a big record, both sonically as The Weather Station have evolved from the solo folksy beginnings into the musical collective presented here, but also in subject matter. It’s a record that demands multiple listens to unearth it’s treasures, and it’s one you absolutely should invest that time into, whether you’re already a fan of Lindeman or new to her work.

Ignorance track list:

1. Robber

2. Atlantic

3. Tried To Tell You

4. Parking Lot

5. Loss

6. Seperated

7. Wear

8. Trust

9. Heart

10. Subdivisions

Watch the official video for Parking Lot here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.