“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.
The Fat Angel Sings 