Mrs. Torrance
Country of origin:
Canada and England
Type of music generally:
Edgy, experimental alternative pop/rock
Status:
Disbanded; final release, I'm The Bird (1997)
See also:
Tamara Williamson's Facebook pageFR.Wikipedia's entry on Tamara Williamson (in French)
The Ectophiles' Guide entry for lead singer Tamara Williamson
Comparisons:
Tamara Williamson's vocals are a little like Rachel Smith, so it's a little as if she'd fronted a heavier, quirky rock band.
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
This is one of those bands I am really at a loss as to how to describe. Weird pop noise. A strange but not unpleasant voice. Noise and twang. I don't think I've heard anything quite like Mrs. Torrance—who aren't that far off the scale of alt rock but are definitely going in their own direction. Their first album was fairly forgettable but the Porn EP and I'm The Bird, the album that follows (and has most of the songs from the EP) is not. Very worth tracking down and listening to. (Neile)
Comments about live performance:
The surprise of the night was a band from Toronto called Mrs. Torrance. Fronted by a young woman who moved from London England about 5 years ago, they combine Pink-Floydish progressive rock sounds with soaring female vocals. Very unique and electic, ranging from heavy to delicate...I bought their EP at the show, and they have a full-length CD due out soon. If you're into quirky stuff you might want to keep an eye out for Mrs. Torrance. (c. 1997, carnivore@bigfoot.com)
Recommended first album:
I'm The Bird
Recordings:
- why the sky (1995)
- Porn (EP, 1997)
- I'm The Bird (1997)
why the sky
Release info:
1995—Third Leg—TL-1
Availability:
Out of print
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans of odd pop/rock
Group members:
Tamara Williamson—vocals, guitar
Chris Waller—bass, vocals
Steve Pitkin—drums, cymbals
Produced by:
Andy Koyama
Comments:
An odd and somewhat compelling collection of songs, but they're all somewhat similar in overall feel so that they kind of become a whole thing. I enjoy listening to it when I put it on, but it doesn't draw me as much as their later work. Still, it has a great sound, and Tamara Williamson's odd and wonderful voice and vocal style. (Neile)
Porn ep
Release info:
1997—Ariola/BMG (Canada)—74321-42981-2
Availability:
Likely out of print
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Tamara Williamson—vocals, guitar
Chris Waller—bass
Steve Pitkin—drums
Simon Nixon—guitar
Guest artists:
Martin Tielli—guitar
Ken Myhr—guitar
Anne Bourne—cello
Produced by:
Ken Myhr, Glen Rosenstein, Tamara Williamson, and Steve Pitkin
Comments:
Of course the best tracks on this wound up on I'm the Bird, but there are three (of the six tracks) that appear here only and they're still strong and listenable, compelling, strange tracks. (Neile)
I'm The Bird
Release info:
1997—ViK Recordings/BMG (Canada)—74321-41752-2
Availability:
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Tamara Williamson—vocals, guitar, piano
Chris Waller—bass, vocals
Steve Pitkin—drums, percussion, vocals, moog, chamberlin
Simon Nixon—guitar, piano, vocals
Tyler Stewart—tambourine, wha-wha
Guest artists:
Martin Tielli—guitar
Ken Myhr—guitar
Anne Bourne—cello, chamberlin
Eileen Williamson—vocals
Produced by:
Ken Myhr and Mrs. Torrance
Comments:
A fine, quirky album full of delights. Driving and haunting at the same time. Lots of unusual hooks. The best songs are "Porn" and "Rich, Beautiful and Mine." (Neile)
