Following Spiritualized’s artsy space rock, Tame Impala swooped in with crisp, psych-pop bravado. “We’ve wanted to play Austin Psych Fest for so long,” beamed frontman Kevin Parker. “And here we finally are.” A new song, “Let It Happen,” teasing the Australian quintet’s upcoming third LP Currents, opened Friday night’s set.
Heavy on synth and dominant bass lines, the group’s material pops with instant hooks. Parker’s vocals, doused in reverb, recalled John Lennon in tone and range. Otherwise, the Perth natives’ sound is wholly fresh and stylistically distinctive.
Integrating elements of Seventies psych and Eighties electronica, Tame Impala’s influences are met with a modern point of view. They recall the similarly exciting appeal of MGMT’s debut. Danceable cuts like Lonerism single “Elephant” and “Why Won’t They Talk To Me?” appeared early on, while slower tunes including “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” revealed the band’s trippier semblance later on.
This week, the fivepiece dropped another new track, “Eventually,” from their imminent LP. Last night marked its live debut. “We did it,” smiled Parker, relieved they’d nailed the newbie without a hitch.
The group, in jovial spirits, frequently professed its fondness for Austin. After all, they’re slated to perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. That Levitation/ACL tie-in actually jibes. Over 75 minutes, a mud-sodden crowd soaked in equal doses of catchy pop and jammy breakdowns.
“We are Tame Impala,” Parker reminded, winding down. “It’s been a fucking pleasure.”
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This article appears in May 15 • 2015 and May 8 • 2015.