Photo: WENN
Tame Impala have just released their second album Lonerism, and they follow the unveiling of the record with a whistle-stop tour of the UK.
The album received rave reviews from critics, with lead single 'Elephant' giving the band perhaps their biggest mainstream hit to date. Now comes the time for the Australians to bring their brand of infectious guitar sounds and dream-like psychedelia to the road.
First stop? A sold out show at London's Brixton Academy that frontman, Kevin Parker, admits is 'the biggest show they have ever played'.
Parker and co arrive on stage to a packed out crowd. The frontman immediately smiles from ear to ear and is clearly delighted - if not a little humbled - to see the 5000-strong mass that awaits him.
They immediately launch into Lonerism's opener 'Be Above It'. The track begins with a hypnotic drum beat and showcases the type of tripped-out indie that is the signature on the new LP.
'Be Above It' gets toes tapping and the wistful late 60s sounds keep on coming, with 'Solitude is Bliss' following after.
The inspiration for that track (and the record in general) is one of detachment from those around you - a sentiment that seems slightly lost on the excitable sea of faces that fill the academy.
Kevin Parker, frontman of Tame Impala, performing live.
In fact, in the early stages of the set Tame Impala seem even a little overwhelmed by the size of the venue. There is a screen behind the stage that displays visuals that are slightly too basic for the Brixton Academy - a venue perhaps bigger than the band are used to.
Last time the Aussies played in London, they graced Camden's Roundhouse to showcase tracks from debut album InnerSpeaker. It seems that maybe even Parker himself was unaware of the extent to which his band have grown in fans' estimations.
But about 20 minutes in that all changes as the Aussies launch into a barn-storming version of 'Elephant'.
The whole of the venue bounces in sync. The feet of 5000 onlookers are heard thudding to the ground as they jump up and down, creating a sensation not dissimilar to the stomp of the track's subject matter.
Parker seems to suddenly perk up, exclaimimg: "Last time we played London it was the biggest show we have ever done - but this is on another level!"
Next comes the new Lennon-esque single, 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards'. The track's soaring chorus deserves a mass sing-along - and that's just what it gets as everyone's hands reach for the ceiling.
"This is going much better than I imagined," Parker grins, to the delight of the audience.
InnerSpeaker's stand-out track 'Why Won't You Make Up your Mind' keeps the crowd's energy levels high.
Disappointingly - and maybe more the fault of the venue than the band - Parker's vocals are occasionally muffled, but no one seems to hold it against him.
Towards the end of the night,Tame Impala disappear from the stage but it's not long before they (albeit slightly awkwardly) return.
Bassist Nick Allbrook, explains, "You know we never used to do encores," when they re-emerge, an admission that suggests the band realise they now have something of a duty to offer a bigger live show.
The unmistakable Zeppelin-tinged riff of 'Half Full Glass of Wine' rings out and soon the reaction is nothing short of frenzied. Tame Impala treat the audience to a huge-sounding, extended version of the hit that ensures no one will end up leaving underwhelmed.
After a start that was visibly nervy, Tame Impala have given Brixton Academy a triumphant headline show.
The odds look good that next time they return to the capital they will again be required to step up to a larger venue.
Tame Impala play Manchester HMV Ritz tomorrow, Sheffield Leadmill on Friday, and Glasgow ABC on Saturday.
For more information visit Gigwise tickets.
