In the 1960s, the metaphorical trips of psychedelic rock had their renaissance, with many bands in the San Francisco area jamming out while under some … less than reputable substances. Even so, the idea of psych-rock never ended; to create a trance of mesmerizing, colorful music, which was continued beautifully by Kevin Parker. In 2007, the Australian musician created Tame Impala, a musical project. Having developed his love of music from a young age, Parker started by releasing two EPs in 2008, which immediately gained airplay, before releasing his first album, “Innerspeaker,” in May, 2010. The album immediately established Parker’s very personal songwriting, expressing his questioning, intrusive thoughts. After the success of “Innerspeaker,” Parker moved on to bigger and better projects with his next album, “Lonerism.”
Released on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, “Lonerism” is more of a concept album, revolving around the experiences of people experiencing isolation and distancing socially from others. The reverb heavy psych-rock sound is mellowed out with the use of more synthesizers and samples, often cherry-picked from pieces of media Parker liked. The themes of loneliness purvey heavily on songs such as “Why Won’t They Talk To Me?” The narrator contemplates his difficulty talking to others, and he begins to resent other people, pledging that he will defy them and become a star. The songs give characters multiple dimensions, not just saying that someone is depressed, but how they cope with it, positively or negatively. There is also the ambient nature of “Keep On Lying,” featuring cryptic lyrics about a secret between two people that the narrator guesses the other person already knows, but is trying to prolong the reveal, which is interspersed with sounds of a dinner party happening several feet away. The ambient noises create a sense of calm, but also a sense of isolation, like time enjoyed only by oneself. The album climaxes with “Sun’s Coming Up,” a slow piano ballad about someone who can only think of the past as he slowly withers away, until the middle of the song, where it transforms into a dreamscape of sound, using ocean waves, and children’s voices, possibly referencing the man “finding peace.”
“Lonerism” was critically acclaimed, being named one of the best albums of 2012 by music critics, and winning multiple awards. It brought Kevin Parker more fame to a wider pop audience, leading to future collaborations with people such as the band Justice. “Lonerism” is an intimate project, made more so by the fact it was recorded entirely in Parker’s home, and it is a must for mind-opening albums.