Tame Impala have become the name on everyone’s lips of late. Their latest release Lonerism has garnered critical acclaim not just in Australia but overseas, too. It’s also been named album of the year for 2012 by various publications.
Fresh off an appearance at Groovin’ the Moo, eager punters line up early at the Hordern Pavilion in the hopes of securing a spot on the barrier. After the usual mad dash for the front, ticket holders are treated to a nice opening set by Melbourne electro-pop group Midnight Juggernauts.
Midnight Juggernauts haven’t really done much in the last few years since the release of The Crystal Axis, but front man Vincent Vendetta assures us that they’re hard at work and present a few new tracks they’re working on.
Heavy basslines throughout, amazing drum fills – and a truly exceptional drum solo – with a great combination of harmonizing vocals throughout their set really shows that whatever the Midnight Juggernauts are going to release next is going to be a good one.
It’s now time for Tame Impala to take the stage and they do so almost modestly – there isn’t a huge build-up to their entrance, they simply walk on stage, wave to the crowd and suddenly launch into “Apocalypse Dreams” without a second thought.
Lead singer Kevin Parker looks like an awkward puppy dog as he performs on stage, barefoot with an almost angelic voice that chirps out a shy, polite “thank you” at the conclusion on almost every song – but it just adds to his charm and stage presence.
Despite a few technical difficulties early on, the group soldiers on without stopping and absolutely kill “Music To Walk Home By” which really gets the crowd singing and dancing along to the transcendental rhythm that only Tame Impala can provide.
“Elephant” follows with its unmistakable guitar riff causing the entirety of the Hordern Pavilion to tap their feet along and jump around. Unfortunately it isn’t to last, as the middle of the song dives into a far too long drum solo with static guitar lingering in the background, a mere ghost of what the song delivers on the album. Plagued by technical difficulties or trying something new; there were quizzical looks on more than just a few faces.
A big hit is followed by an arguably even bigger hit as the psychedelic rockers delve into “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”. Parker’s voice is almost drowned out by the fans on this track which, like “Elephant”, just doesn’t reach the sound quality from the album – it just doesn’t quite translate from album to stage.
Despite the hiccups, there are moments of brilliance throughout the set, such as keyboardist and drummer Jay Watson and Julien Barbagallo matching each other key for snare stroke in a mini-battle that seemed to be an in-joke between band members.
The final song before the encore is where Tame Impala truly shine and give it their all. The musical breakdown that flows over the audience combined with the colourful, awe-inspiring light show sends everyone down the rabbit hole into what can only be called a psychedelic wonderland.
The encore is even better than the main set, closing with “Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control” which is really a perfect closing song, treating our ears to almost four minutes of music heaven – four guitars at once, perfect drum fills, trance-inducing synth and divine vocals that really solidify Tame Impala as one of the biggest bands in Australia.
