Tame Impala @ Astor Theatre,Perth (22/10/10)

Fri 29th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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Back in their city of origin, Tame Impala burrowed into the heads of hundreds of all ages with their retro inspired psychedelic rock at the Astor Theatre.

Padding the great anticipation is Brisbane sextuplet, The John Steel Singers who brought some big band sounds and charismatic energy to the evening. While sounding brass instruments and even tapping on a beer bottle, Jay Watson from Tame Impala joins them on the second drum set for Rainbow Kraut.

Above the main standing area is a second level where all the under 18’s could view the stage. The John Steel Singers asked the juvies to stand up so we could see their pretty faces. One of them in particular decided to moon us all, which brought some much needed class to the theatre.

Tame Impala is an absolute gift for those who missed out on the 60’s stoner rock era, which turn out to be the main demographic of Impala fans. Hipsters showed up in masses like some weekly religious ritual. On par with cherishing all things vintage, lead man Kevin Parker comes out onto the stage wearing a ninja turtles t-shirt.

Setting a steady pace with Jeremy’s Storm, a progressive rock instrumental from their debut album Innerspeaker, followed by Solitude is Bliss and Why Won’t You make Up Your Mind? Punters rolled their heads around in a lazy dreamlike fashion, the pace slightly kicked up and for their latest single, Lucidity as bodies moved around in a sleepy jive.

Hypnotic interludes and the slick bass line created by Nick Allbrook sent deep vibrations in the flooring that you could feel through your shoes. The sound graph on the silk screen was going crazy. Every beat of the drum, every twang of the guitar strings and every swirling vocal had the green line jumping in epileptic fits.

Remember Me had a sea of bodies grooving along to the Blueboy cover. If covers are to be done sparingly, that rule doesn’t apply when you have the psychedelic rock Midas touch. The set finished with Half Glass Full of Wine, which was nothing short of spectacular. Vocal loops had punters tripping out and tripping over each other dancing away to the half speed double riff magic.

Check out Ihavedirt’s pics