When you’re listening to a Tame Impala track, it kind of feels like magic – each piece
exploding into textured layering wrapping up the sentimental vocals – seeming all
a bit surreal. The latest in
Modular’s ongoing Studio Sessions series is a chance to see how it’s all put
together. Recorded in the local Perth basement of Fremantle’s Norfolk Hotel,
the boys are barefoot, back home and performing three favourites off their
freshly released album Lonerism:
‘Apocalypse Dreams’, ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’ and ‘Elephant’.
Director Kiku Ohe backs the performance with technicolour
responsive lighting, just as we would have wanted – and giving us a taste of
what’s to come with their upcoming national tour. It kicks off in full force
with ‘Apocalypse Dreams’, while we’re perched over Jay Watson’s shoulder on keys. Band members are in their own moment
but the music is at once organic and perfectly timed.
‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’ follows and maintains the
classic spacey psychedelic Tame Impala
ambience. Overall, the sound is not too different from the record but it’s not
a radio recording – the studio sessions keep the raw scratchy electric guitar
and unpolished vocals. That being said, it almost feels like Kevin Parker could be whispering in
your ear, it’s that immediate. This recording of ‘Elephant’ lacks some of the
power in the original bass but it’s still an awesome jam to witness.
The intimacy of a studio session suits Tame Impala’s music, enhancing what already exists as a personal
listening experience and drawing it out up close and personal.
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