Album Review: Tamara Shevon, Purse Wine

Would it be clever or hack to compare Tamara Shevon’s latest album entitled Purse Wine to actual wine? 

It would depend entirely on how far one wanted to pursue the metaphor. This impressive 22 track album released on bandcamp is a vivid example of how a comedy album entails just as much focus and tenacity to write then its musical counterparts…..and they don’t have to be recorded live. 

Purse Wine is a well practiced body of work. Clearly commemorative of a former self, and the pull various vices had her especially alcohol. It is that disconnect her former self had from reality that no doubt influenced the solid and subtle tone that rings so incredibly authentic on this album. 

There is an unshakable confidence in her material. She sizes up the big topics and has us laughing at the smallest details. Abstract fragments on everything from drinking alone, quitting drugs, and Ikea meatballs are composed together with no time wasted or rushed. 

Purse Wine’s centre piece is the material about the racism and ritual of the Canadian phenomenon that is “The Cottage.” The crowd audibly cheers as if they came to hear the track.

This album is not for the hyper who need their jokes served with sugar and bright packaging. Tamara Shevon’s purse wine is a secret. Served up, uncorked, shared. 

And she doesn’t really care if you don’t want any….that leaves more for her.

Purse Wine was released November 12, 2021.
Listen to it here.