ALBUM REVIEW + FREE STREAM: Tame Impala 'Lonerism'

Perth psychedelic dudes TAME IMPALA are about to release their second full-length LP Lonerism and you’re probably wondering, will it be as good as Innerspeaker? I have listened to the album from beginning to end to give you all a taste of what’s coming. Here’s the highlight reel.

Be Above

With Kevin Parker whispering in your ear, it’s not hard to gush. until a drum beat that sounds like it’s being played by Speedy Gonzalez fades in making the experience a little less heated. Synths then whirl in and song is in full swing. In the early stages the song relies on the drum beat, Parker’s vocals and a LOT of different synths overlapping each other. It feels a little off key but then isn’t that why we love TAME IMPALA in the first place?

Endors Toi

Opening with that signature distorted guitar riff, ‘Endors Toi’ is TAME IMPALA making their way back into your mind.. A clever bass line and the crunchy guitars dominate this track and give it the bite that ‘Endors Toi’ thrives upon. This is TAME IMPALA giving the fans what they fell in love with and by god won’t they love it.

Apocalypse Dreams

Many of you would have heard ‘Apocalypse Dreams’ when the track was released earlier this year. Distorted guitars dominate again and the bass plays a large part in creating the melody of the track. A brief pause, and a cymbal crashes waking you from the technicolour dream that TAME IMPALA have put you in, only to create yet another…

Mind Mischief

Beginning with some 60s guitar, ‘Mind Mischief’ begins with an organic pairing of twangy guitar and relaxed drums, until the bass joins the crew. Harmonies are emphasized in this track and it’s rare to hear a harmony work so well. The harmonies flow throughout the track, leaving you dizzy with vocal parity.

Music To Walk Home By

I’ve always wanted a track to walk home to, and it looks like I’ve found it! An optimistic drum beat leads this track along with Kevin Parker singing along like a child singing along to his favorite Wiggles track. The whole song just oozes happiness.

Why Won’t They Talk To Me?

Lingering synths creep up on this track like my cat Pearl stalking a small puppy. It slowly moves forward until it suddenly runs in a totally different direction to what you thought it would. Jay Watson surprises you as he turns a moody track into a bouncy driving song just by beating that wonderful drum kit of his.. The whole track – including the title- gives off a slightly depressing feeling of loneliness, especially when an acoustic guitar is brought into the mix. The guitar slowly pops into the song whilst a synth quiets down and Parker croons “why won’t they talk to me?” Trust me Kev, I’d talk to you.

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Nick Allbrook broodily opens this track with a heavy bass that just booms through the speakers. He is soon accompanied by drums and vocals, but it’s clear that this track belongs to Mr Allbrook. The melody of ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’ pours up and down throughout its three-minute cruise until pulling away leaving a synth lingering behind it.

Nothing Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control

Opening with a wobbly synth, the song suddenly bounces into a bouncy track that even has a section where the vocals is just someone talking. Parker sings ‘I just want to let go’ and that pretty much explains the vibe of this song in just six words. This track, with the exceptionally long title, is just one of those rare things you listen to and know that nothing was planned. So I guess it’s a very fitting title.

Sun’s Coming Up

A piano opens this track and it reminds me of one of those small ballerinas that twirl around in my old jewelry box. Then the vocals come in, they are low and dark and I am swept off my feet. ‘Sun’s Coming Up’ is a track that you wouldn’t expect to find on a TAME IMPALA record, but The guitars bring you back to the realization that you actually are listening to WA’s favourite sons.

TAME IMPALA have released an album full of new flavours and although it’s different, the band still deliver their signature psychedelic vibes in an exciting new LP that huge fans, such as myself, will fall in love with. Lonerism is out on October 5

Stream the entire album for free below

Words by Lauren Payne

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