Tame Impala
Lonerism
BY EMRE BERBEROĞLU (IR/III)
Release Date: October 8, 2012
Label: Modular
Producers: Kevin Parker
After their highly acclaimed debut album "Innerspeak," Tame Impala became one of the most important representatives of neo-psychedelia. The Australian psychedelic rockers released their sophomore album, "Lonerism," on October 8. The band consists of Kevin Parker (lead vocals and lead guitar), Dominic Simper (bass and synth), Jay Watson (drums), Nick Allbrook (keys) and Julien Barbagallo (backing vocals).
"Lonerism" starts with "Be Above It." Probably this is not the right intro song for this album. It has complicated rhythms and riffs, and because of this, listeners have a hard time following what's happening.
However, the band members redeem themselves with "Endors Toi." With the heavy flanger-effect guitar leads and dreamy synths, suddenly you find yourself in Woodstock 1969. The rise in quality and listenability of the tracks continues with the melodic "Apocalypse Dreams." Parker's warm lyrics and experimental riffs cause you to imagine a gigantic rainbow. The three tracks that occupy the middle of the album -- "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards," "Keep on Lying" and "Elephant" -- are also its main elements. "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" welcomes you with John Lennon-like vocals. Longing for the Beatles fills your heart, and you can't keep from smiling.
"Keep on Lying," most probably the best neo-psychedelic song of the year, begins with Kevin Parker's confession, "All I give are little clues/ Maybe one day I'll get through/ There is nothing I can do/ I'll just keep on lying to you." Then, in the middle of the song, Tame Impala give you the feeling that they decided not to finish it and started jamming instead. The jam continues for four minutes, and it shows you why Tame Impala has become one of the most influential bands of our time. While they loop the synths and riffs, the creepy laugh and the echo of a conversation give this song a spooky quality.
Then, the album's most hard-rock song, "Elephant," begins. The guitar lead in this track calls to mind some of The Black Keys' work, but Parker makes the song his own by using Tame Impala's core authentic melodies.
Tame Impala end their second LP with "Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control" and "Sun's Coming Up."
The Bottom Line: It’s true that "Lonerism" sounds a bit like the Beatles' "Revolver." And you can easily hear the resemblance of Kevin Parker's voice to that of John Lennon. Also, those incredible jams on the album remind you of George Harrison. But Tame Impala have definitely kept on experimenting with different sides and dimensions of their sound, and that has made "Lonerism" overtop their debut album.
Notable Tracks: "Endors Toi"; "Keep on Lying"; "Elephant"; "Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control"
Band's Website: http://www.tameimpala.com/
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