Tame Impala, (Self Titled E.P)

If you worshiped aging rock stars in your teen years then Tame Impala might present you with a little conundrum. They sound exactly the same as your geriatric idols. So here comes the tough question, do we hate them or love them?

As a band they consist of three weedy, long haired guys: Jay Watson Drums / Vocals, Kevin Parker Guitar / Vocals, Dominic Simper Bass Guitar. Their music is in the same taste as many psychedelic rock bands of the 60s and 70s so originality is not their strong point. This may explain why they are signed to the same label (Modular) as the recently disbanded Wolfmother. While these two bands both pulled on my nostalgic heart strings Wolfmother, I can now admit, is simply a pastiche of the past and present. Tame Impala redeem themselves by seeming more genuine... somehow. This isn’t a slightly popy mixture of glam-rock, it’s an homage, a revival of music these three guys obviously love.


Don’t come in search of inspiring lyrics or a new sound they just aren’t there. Instead expect to be sent back in time by the very first note of the very first track Desire Be, Desire Go. The grungy guitar and tinny drums couple seamlessly with mellow, removed vocals. The track Half Full Glass of Wine reeks of Eric Clapton and Cream but boy do they do it well. If you are one of those purists who classify Wolfmother as plagiarism then rest assured Tame Impala finish their E.P with a well orchestrated killer: Wander. The band really shows us their musical talent and although the breakdown and solo are a bit lackluster the rest of the track is flawless.

Tame Impala are definitely worth any hype surrounding them and I look forward to their full length studio album.

3.5 / 5