Tame Impala - Lonerism
Record Label: Modular Recordings
Release Date: October 5, 2012
It’s been just over two years since Perth, Australia's Tame Impala broke through to the musical consciousness with their critically acclaimed, generally lauded debut album, Innerspeaker. With their hazy 60s tinged psychedelia they made their way into many an end of year list and even a few award nominations. Now they’re back with Lonerism, eleven tracks slightly out of this world, psychedelia which returns Tame Impala back to its rightful place as the crown oddballs of indie rock.
Lonerism is a bit mental. Well, a lot mental. Basically, Tame Impala are the definition of niche music. From the opening pulsing synthesizer to the closing half a second of voice, Lonerism is drenched in nostalgia, distorted beats, wah pedals and possibly, quite a bit of marijuana. The aforementioned opener "Be Above It" brings us straight into Kevin Parker’s extremely mellow world. Repetitive and featuring a somewhat groovy beat, it serves as the perfect introduction to what follows. "Enders Toi" is the ultimate summer haze track. Casual, soft vocals drone over distorted, surf-pop guitars, whilst bass, at all times, brings the groove. Who knows what on earth the lyrics are about, but their vagueness only adds to the chilled out vibe of the song. Being chilled out appears to be an aim of Tame Impala and when listening to Lonerism it’s very easy to not think too hard about what you’re hearing because you might as well be relaxing on a beach in the late sixties, but aside from their summer inducing tendencies, Tame Impala are actually a technically excellent band.
Although they sound like they could be quite a loose band, their musicianship is quite precise. A listen to "Mind Mischief" shows this, each instrument entwines with each other, each noodly riff, each rumbling drum, and off course the trademark vocals sound like they were made to be together, and never once are they anything but on the spot. This is a big part of what makes Tame Impala a little irresistible; the combination of a laidback vibe and musical accuracy is so very rare and it’s this reason that they are the best at what they do.
However, as easy as it is to like the album, at times it can turn into background music, due to a tendency to not veer away from a set formula. As strange as it seems to say about a band as off the wall as Tame Impala; the album stays within the constraints set out by their debut album. In a way, it’s a bit like upon first hearing the album the listener will exclaim their surprise at this Beatles in a post Smiths world band, however by the last quarter of the album, you want them to be a bit different. Closer "Sun’s Coming Up" provides this change with a piano led focus which breathes life into the end, but it’s a little too late to claw back what could have been a fantastic album.
Overall, Tame Impala have created a steady sophomore album. Lonerism is perfect for a summer’s day, but they need to take a step in a different direction, if they don’t want to become known as a one trick horse. Album number three should be an interesting one, man.
You review the best albums, I'm sorry we ever got off on the wrong foot! Great review, though I would make a couple of points.
1. Tame Impala is technically excellent, yes. But on record every single sound is made by one man, Kevin Parker. Given the complexity of every instrumental, he is an absolute maestro.
2. The album can drift into background music, but close listening is very rewarding, particularly on multiple spins. I know this can be a turn off for some, but by the 10th listen or so this record becomes really catchy.
3. I would also say this is quite different to Innerspeaker. Less catchy (at first, but overall too) and more psychadelic and impressive sounding. So full of texture. My gf for instance is a casual listener and thought the first album sounded like Kasabian (it did not, thank god) whereas she can't handle Lonerism's bursts of technicolor noise.
You review the best albums, I'm sorry we ever got off on the wrong foot! Great review, though I would make a couple of points.
1. Tame Impala is technically excellent, yes. But on record every single sound is made by one man, Kevin Parker. Given the complexity of every instrumental, he is an absolute maestro.
2. The album can drift into background music, but close listening is very rewarding, particularly on multiple spins. I know this can be a turn off for some, but by the 10th listen or so this record becomes really catchy.
3. I would also say this is quite different to Innerspeaker. Less catchy (at first, but overall too) and more psychadelic and impressive sounding. So full of texture. My gf for instance is a casual listener and thought the first album sounded like Kasabian (it did not, thank god) whereas she can't handle Lonerism's bursts of technicolor noise.
I wanted to say ALL of this. But you took the words straight out of my mouth.
This record is really hitting me in all the right places. I have endless praise for it. And I will back up your fanboys. You do review some truly awesome records. So glad we brought you into the fold.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Profile Picture
View Signature
Posts: 1,516
View Blog
Currently Playing
Follow This Review
More Reviews By This Author