Album Review: Tomberlin Is All of Us “At Weddings”
Weddings are such a weird thing to attend. On one hand, they are exciting and moving because someone you love is starting a new chapter with someone he or she loves. Yet, there is also something emotionally threatening about weddings. They could be reality checks for those uncertain where there life is going or supposed to go to get to happiness. When you perceive someone you love is “growing up,” like Tomberlin’s debut album, “At Weddings”, you question whether you are.
We think growing up brings us joy. It is strange that we never lose that “childlike” mentality that when we “get big” things will feel easier. Tomberlin embraces this vastly believed lie or, at least, reworks it to be truthful. From “Seventeen” to “February,” you realize that getting “big” or “maturer” is not about reaching these societal milestones like, getting married. It is about discovering how your humanity, which is your soul, works through society, which is material-based. It’s a trippy notion for such a young woman, but wisdom and clarity have no age limit. All they need is to be accepted by a heart, and they begin their process of strengthening, which is exactly what inspired Tomberlin: strength.
There is a hymnal quality to At Weddings’ melodies. “Tornado,” “I’m Not Scared,” and “Self-help” are like quiet, church spirituals written by somebody unlearning how she has been taught to believe. When Tomberlin was 17, she dropped out of school to the chagrin of her pastor parents, and from then on she began the difficult transition/ trial of challenging her faith, which is something we all should do. Yes, I know that might come off as blasphemy, but, on earth, the only way you know what you truly love and believe in is buy challenging its foundation. Hence, Tomberlin’s lyrics show our sufferings may not be meant to be, but they can become vital in pushing us into who we need to become.
I like Tomberlin. Her sound is as quietly refreshing and splashed with vibrancy as nice meadow. Her voice pensively waltzes through this “sound meadow” with a grounded, barefooted rawness; one that would be held by someone who grew up in faith to God and is now discovering how she can such belief in herself. Hence, her vocals need to sacred, succinct, and salient in their delivery. Tomberlin’s At Weddings Comes Out On August 10. Click Here For More Information.
