Released: 2012

Genres: Neo-Psychedelia, Psychedelic Rock, Psychedelic Pop, Space Rock Revival

The Musiquarium’s Lonerism Review Score: 10 out of 10

If Innerspeaker was Kevin Parker’s John Lennon album, then Lonerism is his Paul McCartney album, with greater emphasis on melody than its predecessor’s (relatively) heavier sound. Innerspeaker had introduced listeners to the psychedelic soundscapes of Tame Impala and Lonerism invites listeners even deeper into the mind and soul of Kevin Parker.

Be Above It acts like an intro, subtle and sparse, before leading into the colourful chaos of Endors Toi (French for “go to sleep”). Apocalypse Dreams crescendos to a captivating outro. The percussive and melodic Mind Mischief is pure sonic bliss. Elephant is perhaps the most well-known Tame Impala song, going from somewhat standard fuzzed-out blues to a psychedelic mid-section and back.

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards is another signature Tame Impala song and one of Parker’s best pop moments. Why Won’t They Talk to Me? is an anthem for the lonely and the misunderstood. Music to Walk Home By is perfect to walk home by (trust me, I’ve tried it). Keep On Lying makes use of musique concrète in its bridge. She Just Won’t Believe Me is a barely minute-long interlude, but still feels substantial enough in the tracklist. Sun’s Coming Up is just isolated piano and vocals, acting more as a a comedown than a climax.

Lonerism is an expansion on the already exceptional formula of Innerspeaker, with some of the most tasteful synthesizer sounds I’ve ever heard and orgasmic production that makes you want to keep coming back for more. This is a perfect record and one of psychedelia’s finest moments yet ever.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Tame Impala on Discogs.

Back to the 2012 Album Guide or the Tame Impala Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard