Indie Rock Icon Mary Timony Takes Stage at Crystal Ballroom

Mary Timony, an acclaimed figure in the indie rock scene, is known for her seminal work with the band Helium in the 90s. She has since been a driving force in groups like Wild Flag and Ex Hex. Timony is set to grace the Crystal Ballroom with her presence, bringing both new solo work and Helium classics on Saturday.

Mary Timony's Musical Journey

In the wake of significant personal turmoil, including the illness and eventual loss of her parents during the pandemic as well as the abrupt end of a long-term relationship, Timony channeled her experiences into her latest solo project, 'Untame the Tiger.' This album marks her first solo venture in nearly two decades and represents a new level of emotional vulnerability in her music.

Embracing Vulnerability in Songwriting

Timony's songwriting has always been a personal affair, but she admits that with 'Untame the Tiger,' she allowed herself to become more exposed than ever. While her lyrics typically employed metaphors as a means of emotional shielding, her recent work attempts to break those barriers in a move towards greater lyrical courage.

Her music preferences during this time leaned towards the folk genre, particularly from the '70s, influencing the sound of her new work and featuring collaborations with revered artists like drummer Dave Mattacks. An inherited Gibson guitar from her grandmother played a serendipitous role in capturing the more acoustic and mellower tone of the album.

Timony's Recognition as a Guitarist

Apart from her songwriting, Timony's proficiency with the guitar has not gone unnoticed. She was honored to be listed among Rolling Stone's top 250 guitar players, ranking at number 95. This recognition celebrates not just technical skill, but also creativity and innovation in guitar playing.

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