Bianca Rullo Journal Staff
It has been a good year for Australian psychedelic rockers Tame Impala – being nominated and winning several prestigious music awards, playing sold out shows across the globe and selling countless copies of acclaimed sophomore album Lonerism is generating positive buzz from a wide range of critics. With such achievements it was not surprising that fans were willing to line up outside the House of Blues in the pouring rain on Tuesday night to see the band play the last show of their North American tour.
Fellow Perth band, The Growl, warmed the crowd up with an authentic blues sound that even your grandmother could appreciate. With two drum sets, an upright bass, and a heavily distorted guitar, the band showcased vintage tunes and impeccable talent that both captivated the audience and kept them moving.
“Since we are in the House of Blues, it’s only fitting that we cover a traditional blues song,” said frontman Cameron Avery. The audience then erupted in applause and cheered wildly as the band covered Son House’s “John the Revelator.” Rhythmically clapping and singing along to the renowned tune, the crowd seemed enthused and ready for the main act to start.
Tame Impala took the stage an hour later and kicked things off with “Solitude is Bliss,” a single from their debut album Innerspeaker. Fans swayed and sung along to the beautifully surreal song but were still sure to keep their eyes on front man Kevin Parker, who stood barefoot in front of a plethora of guitar pedals and distortion effects, melodically singing in a Lennon-esque style.
The band furthered this experience by syncing their instruments up with vibrant kaleidoscopic visuals projected behind them on a large screen. The Aussie musicians frequently broke out into psychedelic jams in between songs as well, which emphasized their individual talents. These elements combined created an atmosphere that felt more reminiscent of the summer of 1967 than a modern-day rock concert.
“How is everyone up there? You all feel so far away,” Parker commented on those standing in the balcony. “Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you. This next song is for everyone up there, but especially for those of you down here,” he signaled to the pit as the band launched into Lonerism single “Elephant.”
The audience got rowdier as the show progressed, which was evident when the band ended the show with “Half Full Glass of Wine.” Some aggressive fans tried to start a mosh pit while others began crowd-surfing. This high energy atmosphere didn’t dwindle down with the end of that song; the audience then begged the band to come back on stage, which they inevitably did for a final rendition of “Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control.”
When the lights came back on and the roadies began lugging equipment off the stage, the excited attendees could not stop raving about a show they would not soon forget.
The Austalian band will be embarking throughout Canada and the various parts of country, gradually taking part in the spring weekend long festivties in Indio, CA. better known as Coachella, well into the summer season.
