Tame Impala

The second album by Australian band Tame Impala is full of juxtapositions.

Lead single “Elephant” trudges along with a heavy instrumental, but Kevin Parker’s understated falsetto melody counteracts the plodding drums and guitar.

During standout “Mind Mischief,” the bass drops out and doesn’t come back in until the least expected, yet completely perfect, moment.

Tame Impala is mostly Parker’s project. Though he’s joined by a live band on tour, he recorded almost all the parts on “Lonerism” himself. His psychedelia takes its cues from the rock ‘n’ roll of the early 1960s. The bass and guitar often follow the same riff in true Led Zeppelin fashion.

The album avoids sounding dated by combining classic rock sensibilities with 21st century sounds. It’s solid all the way through, and one of the year’s best releases.

As summer transitions to fall, with the bright summer sun clashing against cool autumn temperatures, “Lonerism” with all its contradictions is the perfect soundtrack.

By Jacob Klopfenstein