What is it that inspires so much awe for Tame Impala? Perhaps it’s because it’s one-man’s studio project; a perfectionist whose idea of perfection is enchantingly skewed. Or maybe it’s that the band’s full lineup features a bunch of scruffy, unassuming Aussie blokes who’ve pervaded the global market (initially while we weren’t even watching). Either way Tame Impala’s music appeals to an increasingly broad demographic – offering something for rock heads, psych cadets, electro nuts, gear nerds and the pop inclined – and tonight’s show was a convincing testimony that Tame Impala’s primary strength is their live show.
The Kevin Parker-led project’s climb from triple j curiosity to major headline act was pretty swift. However, while the early releases certainly deserved attention, you couldn’t have predicted that three albums down the line they’d be experienced arena dwellers. And yet, although Parker and his four onstage comrades’ constant international touring regularly puts them at the top of festival bills, he revealed that tonight’s sold out gig at Sidney Myer Music Bowl – in front of 12,000 feverish punters – was the biggest headline show they’ve ever played.
It was also their first Australian headline in two years. While we’ve missed ‘em, man have they made good use of their time. Along with cooking up one of the year’s strongest releases in Currents, they’ve been playing the shit out of these songs. Not tiring them out, though, but uncovering hidden energy, melodic and rhythmic accents and consequent shades of emotion and sensuality.
Currents’lead track Let It Happen opened tonight’s show, and the song’s seven or so minutes provided enough twists and turns, alternating moments of bombast and restraint, to just about sate one’s musical appetite. It set a hell of a precedent, and placed an imposing onus on the band to maintain this high standard. However, Tame Impala have amassed a formidable back catalogue, and they had no trouble taking things up a notch.
Along with the majority of Currents, a hefty percentage of 2012’s Lonerism featured, including the likes of Mind Mischief and Why Won’t They Talk To Me – emotional fragility encased within psychedelically-enhanced pop songwriting. Brother in arms, Pond’s Joe Ryan was in charge of the lighting and visuals, and with a massive rig to fiddle with, he amplified the spectacular nature of the event.
Tame Impala have a few certified hits – namely Elephant and Feels Like We Only Go Backwards – and both songs predictably soared, boosted by several thousand extra backing vocalists. For the latter, Parker laid his guitar aside and sauntered along the stage frontier.
He’s not blessed with enormous stage presence, but to see him look slightly awkward while presiding over some of the 21st century’s strongest tunes, amid a world class stage production, fit perfectly with the narratorial voice heard on his records.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Photo by Ian Laidlaw
Loved: The sound.
Hated: Could’ve played Music To Walk Home By.
Drank: ‘Cause I’m A Human.
