written by Chris Familton

It seemed like a step up for Tame Impala to headline the larger Enmore Theatre but with a universally well-received album and a well-connected US tour under their belt they seem to be going from strength to strength.

Perth’s Felicity Groom was first to grace the cavernous theatre but she showed no signs of nervousness with a solid band and a brace of well rounded songs. There wasn’t a great deal to distinguish her from other indie rock songstresses but when she strapped on an autoharp the songs gained an interesting folk twist. At the back end of her set she played 39 Ways To Leave Your Lover, the highlight of her performance with it’s dark and churning guitar and Groom doing an admirable P Harvey impression.

The John Steel Singers are on the verge of releasing their debut album Tangalooma – always a good time to see a band live when they well rehearsed and itching to get their songs out. They played a set that was high on fun, energy and clever literate pop. The highlight came with the outstretched and pulsing Rainbow Kraut that featured a guest appearance from Tame Impala drummer Jay Watson and some uplifting horns adding colour to the motorik rhythm.

Tame Impala drew a large crowd to witness their homecoming spring tour and what a diverse audience it was. Down the front were the Triple J kids who bounced enthusiastically with arms aloft for much of the set. It is quite remarkable how dreamy psychedelic shoegaze rock has infiltrated the mainstream and hopefully they’ll stick with the band and the music and not discard them once they lose their fresh appeal. Up the back of the theatre were more of those who have lived through the influences, appreciate what Tame Impala are creating musically and as such nodded their heads approvingly.

Innerspeaker made up the bulk of the set with Lucidity and I Don’t Really Mind being particular standouts. With the hazy effects driven guitars, Kevin Parker’s droning voice and a frustrating lack of presence or crowd connection it all felt a little one dimensional at time and it was left to the rhythm section to keep the punters bouncing and singing along. Finishing with staples Remember Me and Half Full Glass Of Wine they showed how much their music has matured and left everyone wondering where they will go from here.

this review first appeared in Drum Media