[October 9th 2012 – Modular Recordings // Find it at: iTunes | Insound]
______________________________________________________________
From the raw perspective of a total outcast, Lonerism is a portrait of psych rock for listeners who regularly throttle themselves with Surrealistic Pillow and Disraeli Gears when they need to fall into a bed of vivid tranquillity. It’s not exactly a replica of 60s’-aged rock, but for Tame Impala, it’s a push forward into unknown territory where mock electronic elements are substituted for the real thing. That vibe projected by the five-piece is what bathes their sound in authenticity. Sprawling synth takes wrap you up in kaleidoscopic daydreams (“Why Won’t They Talk To Me”), bass-heavy stomps conceive pedal-friendly sessions (“Elephant”) and when Tame Impala’s communal irresistibility dials it back to 2010 (“Mind Mischief”), layers of sound sensually combust. Lonerism doesn’t try to force you to fall for it just because it has the endearing quality to be the best psychedelic record of the decade; it instead sucks you into its concept. Kevin Parker tangles isolation with reality and while themes practically live in the song titles, his likeness to John Lennon magnifies cosmic explosions (“Endors Toi”) and even alters vocal-powered jams to drip with dubbed-out reggae blues (“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”). The various shades on Lonerism are similar but as the record slows down, they become hues that melt and extend a lovely invitation worth accepting.
Download: “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”, “Mind Mischief”, “Keep On Lying”
[Find updates on new albums, daily music news and other things on Twitter]
Great review josh! Amazing record…AOTY contender!