The young lads from recently hyped Australian band Tame Impala played the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland as part of their US tour. With all of ONE album under their belt, they played a tight set (with lead singer/guitarist/lyricist Kevin Parker letting the crowd know – very diplomatically – that there would be no encores). That being said, their set included the many strong tracks on their debut – complete with spot-on guitar effects (bringing to light their work with Dave Fridmann – of Flaming Lips, Black Mother Super Rainbow fame). So the psychedelic vibes were no surprise – however, their bombastic beats were more hip-hop then Hendrix – culminating in their cover of Massive Attack’s “Angel”.
The influence of other veteran Britpop bands was apparent, as well – the swirling and catchy hooks of the Stone Roses seemed to be present, as well as the more ethereal, but equally hooky, early Radiohead (with guitarist Dominic Simper referencing Jonny Greenwood’s sound AND coif). Here’s hoping that their sophomore effort continues the fine beginnings of one of 2010′s best albums, Innerspeaker.
December 16, 2010
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