When I was younger, I was introduced to the only song that causes me to tear up every single time I hear it. This song was “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Hearing the voice of Stevie Nicks singing “I’ve been afraid of changing, ’cause I’ve built my life around you” created a feeling of such pure, true emotion that I wasn’t yet able to comprehend it at the time.
Sitting here now at almost 23 years old, I’ve had quite a few feelings throughout my life. There are certain songs that will evoke those feelings for me, and the new track by Toronto artist Tamara Lindeman and her band (together known as The Weather Station), definitely has that ability. The song, from the recently released Loyalty, is titled “Floodplain” and has an accompanying video that is very simple in nature, but filled with a tremendous amount of somber sentiments.
The indie/folk band, formed in 2006, shares a musical resemblance to artists such as Iron and Wine, City and Colour, and Bahamas. With hearty, soulful lyrics paired with a passionate yet delicate voice, it’s hard not to share in a sense of emotion when you listen to “Floodplain.”
The beginning of the song starts out with a very melancholic acoustic guitar piece, leading into the introduction of Lindeman’s soulful voice. The video features Lindeman herself, solemn-faced standing close to the camera, with her hair blowing lightly. Flashes of memories flood the screen and we are thrown back and forth from a beach scene from a first person point of view (I assume it to be of a former love interest) to Lindeman looking from the camera to the side with very sad eyes.
The Weather Station Creates Powerful Music
If the video were not enough to showcase an intense amount of emotion, the song stays fairly similar throughout, always giving off the feeling of true sorrow. The steady drum repetition that can be heard in the background intensifies in sound about 40 seconds into the song, and for some reason reminds me of the rhythm of a beating heart. I’m not sure if this was the intention, or if I’m reading too much into things, but it seems to give more of an acute impact to the song.
At the end of the video, Lindeman glances quickly into the camera one last time as the music fades away, leaving you with an underwater scene of the presumed former love interest swimming away.
Do yourself a favor and check out “Floodplain.” Just make sure you have some tissues next to you, you’ll probably end up needing them.
Learn more about The Weather Station, or buy Loyalty, here.