Mary Timony – ‘Untame the Tiger’ album review: Good old-fashioned rock infused with transcendental sentiment
THE SKINNY: Mystical, rock-driven masterpieces rarely find themselves located in front of avid music enthusiasts. Yet, when they appear as elusive and beautiful as fairy dust, we cling to them tightly, lest they slip away, drifting toward another lost soul seeking solace in a fleeting moment of musical bliss.
Untame the Tiger emerges 15 years after Mary Timony’s previous release, following the end of a significant relationship and framed by the passing of Timony’s father and mother. “This was the hardest thing I’ve been through,” Timony explained, “Every week I had to manage a new crisis.” While this appears to reflect Timony’s usual struggle with imposter syndrome and wavering self-confidence, Untame the Tiger resonates with both poignancy and vulnerability, each lyric and note peeling back layers of intricate emotions.
Throughout the album, Timony’s profound emotional journey stemming from the end of a significant relationship and the loss of her parents deeply shapes her lyrical content. Whether she personifies loneliness as a haunting presence whose persistent knocks at the door are inescapable or navigates themes of loss, Timony skilfully combines pure, unfiltered rock with profound depth and meaning.
Her approach may seem one-dimensional, but that’s precisely why it appeals: a guitar hero as esteemed as Timony wouldn’t be expected to hold back on her strumming prowess, just as a chef wouldn’t be reprimanded for creating a tasty meal. The riffs in Untame the Tiger complement the themes being explored without overshadowing the lyrical content, creating an experience akin to the sheer bliss of discovering your favourite band for the first time.
For Fans Of: Those chasing simpler rock music, the kind that actually makes you feel something.
A concluding comment from my nan: “I do wish she would speak up; some of us have hearing aids y’know.”
Untame the Tiger track by track:
‘No Thirds’: An album that kicks off with a track that instantly places you in the driver’s seat of a springtime road trip is a winner. ‘No Thirds’ feels like losing everything while embracing the prospect of a fresh start with open arms. [3.5/5]
‘Summer’: That signature guitar-playing shines through once again. It’s immensely satisfying to hear rock that truly embodies the essence of classic rock, and ‘Summer’ is undoubtedly a track worth playing on repeat. [4/5]
‘Dominoes’: This song feels reminiscent of something else, in a good way. There are elements of both countercultural folk and rock ‘n’ roll in there. It’s endearing. [3.5/5]
‘Looking for the Sun’: There’s a moment on almost every album where there’s respite from the other, more charged aspects of the piece. ‘Looking for the Sun’ is that subtle break where you can fully switch off and enjoy the peace. [3/5]
‘The Guest’: Timony’s guitar prowess remains an often-overlooked facet of her musical legacy. In ‘The Guest’, she delves into themes of loneliness with a finesse that offers listeners just the right amount of catharsis, validating their own isolated emotions. [4/5]
‘Don’t Disappear’: The beauty of Untame the Tiger is that there are moments where the music truly oscillates between comforting and haunting. ‘Don’t Disappear’ feels like suddenly viewing someone you love as a stranger. [3/5]
‘The Dream’: One of the highlights of the album, without a doubt, ‘The Dream’ is the spiral you can’t stop yourself from falling into. Nothing feels real, but it’s an unstoppable force. Hopefully, things are better when you emerge from the other side. [4/5]
‘Untame the Tiger’: There’s an odd thing about titular tracks in that they often don’t live up to the hype, leaving you wondering why they became the titular track in the first place. In this case, ‘Untame the Tiger’ perfectly summarises the entire album, promising brighter days while ruminating on troubling days gone by. [3.5/5]
‘Not the Only One’: The final curtain call is marked by beautiful finger-picking and a gorgeous, ethereal vocal that showcases Timony’s effortlessly endless appeal. [3.5/5]
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