Tame Impala at Metro | Photos and review
Demonstrating an undulating sound aptly visualized by the oscilloscope projections that accompanied their performance, Tame Impala's set at Metro found the Australian band wholeheartedly embracing their psychedelic tendencies. Greeted by glow sticks and a thick haze of pungent smoke, the five-piece group launched into the resolute rhythms of "Be Above It," ably replicating the densely layered arrangements that populate their recent release, Lonerism. Surrounded by an expansive array of effects pedals, frontman Kevin Parker blended his carefully constructed guitar tones and reverb-drenched vocals into the band's sonic palette. It was often difficult to separate Parker's whining riffs from his bandmates' synth accompaniment, an effect noticeably displayed on "Endors Toi," as the group's instruments coalesced into a multifaceted texture undercut by Jay Watson's pounding beats.
Supporting act The Amazing exhibited a similar ability to meld their various influences, resulting in songs that demonstrated an affinity for both folk and prog rock. The Swedish ensemble featured members of groups like Dungen and Granada, partaking in a set of sprawling tracks from their debut full-length, Gentle Stream. Contrasting with the relatively concise leanings of their tour mates, The Amazing's sweeping spread of intertwining guitars and harmonies proved to be a fitting preface to evening's main attraction.
Entering the latter half of its set, Tame Impala continued to dig through selections from its latest album as well as deep cuts from its catalog. The dutiful stomp of "Elephant" found Parker and his band reinterpreting classic rock tropes before losing themselves to the otherworldly ambiance of "Alter Ego." A single song encore of "Half Full Glass of Wine" stretched the track into an extended krautrock number, slowly building upon a minimalistic guitar line before reaching its conclusion. Soaked in surreal sounds and exuding an intense energy, the group distilled the studio wizardry of its recorded output and managed to translate it to the stage in an impressive fashion. With a handful of acclaimed records under its belt and a live performance that builds upon them, there's no questioning Tame Impala's ability to leave crowds dazed and amused.
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