Curious to find out what Tame Impala is?
Spoiler: It’s unique. And here’s why.
Hi there, I hope you are staying safe and keeping your spirits up.
Well, let me start by saying I’m not a musician. I have, however, studied the piano and I can easily play it by ear. I have also learned the acoustic guitar and, more recently, I have tried electric guitar, and bass. Bass, I must say, is an instrument that has always caught my attention. I simply capture it and naturally memorize the tracks of this puissant instrument in almost any song. And what amazes me is that, once heard, I don’t forget song’s bass riffs anymore.
So why am I sharing this? Because I want to talk about an indie band. A vibey, “epiphany pop band” called Tame Impala.
My first contact with T.I. was through this well-known track called “The Less I Know The Better”, one day suggested by Spotify. Right away, I realized I had already listened to it and truly enjoyed it (yes… we remember the good sensations…). I then became interested in finding out more about that band, mainly due to the bass sounds: strong and prominent in many songs. Over time, I came to understand that the bass put in motion all my in-depth search about the band.
After delving into the band most heard by me on Spotify in 2020, I now believe Tame Impala is a unique band — it absolutely is. It’s very rare to find anything remotely similar to it, and despite that, it’s also very little recognized. Here is why:
• Tame Impala’s songs are very distinct from each other. The band does not have a specific musical style and it seems as if each song refers to a different musical style. If you know music, you know how this requires extensive researches and a truly broad musical knowledge.
• The songs are elaborated. The most attentive ear will notice nuances, variations, not-so-obvious cuts, and different effects in each repetition of the same music strophes. All this without exaggeration and far from the basics found in so many bands with a rather pop feel. Again, this takes careful work with the details.
Ha, and guess what? Tame Impala is a one-man-band. Thus, Tame Impala is not a band per se, which in turn means that all songs are created (all tracks of all instruments are developed and played), arranged, produced, sung, and recorded (phew!) by one person. That alone would highlight any musical initiative (wouldn’t you say so?). This, added to the 2 other characteristics above, gives, in my view, a singularity to this incredible artist, whose name is Kevin Parker, from Perth, Australia.
For the curious reader and interested in learning more, I will comment on some tracks below to ease you in into the world of Tame Impala:
The Less I Know The Better: as soon as the bass riff starts (it had to be😁 ), it most likely will make you believe you’ve already heard it on the radio. It is, after all, his best known — and awarded song. Kevin won 4 platinum records in Australia, 2 in the US, and one in the UK. It is a delicious romantic ballad.
Eventually: another footprint, denser and, I would say, unlikely. Very trippy and intense. A song to think and contemplate. For a better effect, tune in to capture an optimal bass sound.
The Moment: as the title says, the song suggests the anticipation of a moment, and Kevin, with the excerpt “Getting Closer…”, hits the nail on the head. Light, delicious, and uplifting.
Apocalypse Dreams: once again, the name delivers the soul of the song — if you walk into the song, you will (literally) feel the apocalypse coming. Remarkable. The abrupt crash at exactly 3:00 is the peak (but listen to the whole song!).
Mind Mischief: you’ve probably heard it too. Raw music, torn instruments. Hard-rock. Watch the sensational clip. Very trippy, especially in the stretch at minute 2:46 and, further on, at minute 3:35.
Reality In Motion: action-like-music that could easily be on the X-Men soundtrack. Energetic and engaging.
Nangs: nangs? say what?? Well, listen to this short music, simply located between more elaborate tracks, for an experiment in itself. For a great experience, listen to it through good speakers or using headphones.
Sundown Syndrome: wonderfully jazzzzzy! Complete and rich. Very elegant!
Borderline: for those who like a loungy-like-sound with a dance footprint. Vibrant, and impossible not to minimally shake your head to its tunes.
It Is Not Meant To Be: this track — at the beginning — is not easy one so to speak. Long riffs, bass, and strong drums. What surprises me is that, at minute 1:56, it changes so abruptly as if another song had started — and you instantly smile. Magical.
Breathe Deeper: another long lounge-dance, dreamy, hypnotic, high-spirited, with bebop (before) and techno (after). It has an additional touch, a surprise (I would say a break) at minute 4:37. In the words of Kevin Parker, “I like to imagine this part of the song as a sample of a different song that exists in full somewhere in a parallel universe” and the incredible thing is that this song does not exist (yet?).
Half Full Glass of Wine: and to finish it off in a vigorous way, how about an 80’s raw-guitar-indie-rock, a la Pixies-Strokes-Temples-or-why-not-Nirvana-style with a psycho touch?
Trippy, right? Almost untamable 😊
Do you dare to try? I’ll love to hear to your impressions of the tracks or at least please let me know if I am suffering from the syndrome of a guy who’s too in love with a band 😅
This post was kindly reviewed and English-enhanced 🤩 by my dear friend, Juliana Rocha
