Tame ImpalaAs expected, a vibrant, buzzing crowd had poured into Fremantle Arts Centre for Tame Impala's homecoming, a mixed bunch that spanned many generations but was made up primarily of young, energetic punters. This new cohort is a curious one, it must be said; their respect for booze is such that they don't risk their wine being tainted by the subtle influence on flavour that a plastic cup may have, instead eschewing any kind of receptacle and slamming it straight down the hatch. They don't mind a natter, either. Still, they were there in force to greet the dirty, sexy blues of The Growl, a band that continues to go from strength to strength. The gritty, grimy voice of frontman Cam Avery is the perfect complement to the band's rawness, and there is little doubt The Growl's stocks will rise higher still in 2013.
Tonight, however, was all about the return of Tame Impala. As awards roll in and shows sell out, there seems no end to the acclaim that this band deservedly receives. They started tonight, as they start most nights, with Be Above It, a soaring track that swelled and fell and evidenced a band that doesn't just occupy a stage, but owns it. Unfortunately, the sound suffered initially as a crackle popped into life with any exuberant playing and Dom Simper's guitar lines were rendered inaudible, but as these faults were ironed out the rich, hazy tones were brought to life. In Julien Barbagallo they have unearthed a wonderful drummer who, with Nick Allbrook, constitutes part of an exceptional rhythm section, and the myriad guitar effects that Kevin Parker employs add remarkable texture.
After so much time and so many shows, Tame Impala has reached an enviable point; they are tight and together but not overly polished, which makes slower tracks like Feels Like We Only Go Backwards hum. Solitude Is Bliss and It Is Not Meant To Be from Innerspeaker were received rapturously, however, it was the thump and power of Elephant that was this set's most profound moment. On record it is noticeably more robust than the rest of the album but live it is an outright assault, a groove-laden song that breaks down midway into an exploratory, expressive jam. As Parker spoke of how good it felt to be home and the surprise at seeing so many people in attendance, it was impossible not to be struck by the humility that still pervades Tame Impala. You get the feeling that this band, and its many well-known and well-documented associates, would be quite happy peddling their wares to friends perched on eskies in the backyards of sharehouses. Thank goodness they're not.
