The Fame of Tame in T-dot

Sunday, 1 May 2011

Tame Impala gig w/ support Yuck [Yawn did not appear]

Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St, Toronto, Canada, 10 pm

In a “where were you” moment, Tame Impala announced Osama Bin Laden’s death before dedicating “Jeremy’s Storm” to the USA’s own elusive 21st Century Scarlet Pimpernel, its Dancer Upstairs:

“We were just informed that Osama Bin Laden is dead. So we’d like to dedicate this next song to him.” – Kevin Parker, vocalist/guitarist

“Ooh, that’s gonna get us into trouble!” – Jay Watson, drummer

“We’re from Australia; we don’t know what is going on in the world.” – Parker

The 1000 Phoenix patrons heard this international news from the mouths of a band from the (second) most isolated place in the world – Perth, Western Australia. Espoused with the typical tongue-in-cheek Aussie larrikin behaviour to “not bring the vibe down”, and casual bare feet. Even more prominent was the typical Aussie laidback honesty: “We don’t do encores, well, cos we think they’re lame. So don’t expect it.” I’ve also heard reports they don’t do encores cos their set-list is limited as a new-ish band.

The boys from Australia’s music capital took the helm at the Phoenix to prove Down Under’s psychedelic rock was more of a cruiser than a dinghy flailing in its trans-continental drift. [Being still only 3 months fresh in TO, I still like to show my patriotism through water metaphors when Aussie bands make it big o/s!]

Yawn! What’s with bands not showing up?

My last gig was a bust when Dirty Vegas postponed their April set at the Mod Club until June because of cough and cold. I wasn’t as plugged in as I normally am to FB to get the notification so I waited outside like a chump, getting flashbacks of when I first landed in TO [“I’m lost, all alone, and all unhappy!”], thinking I was at the incorrect venue. Big ups to the Mod Club for not putting up a sign on their closed venue. Pft. I was so glad history didn’t repeat with Tame Impala but second support Yawn did not appear for whatever reason, apparently because of car wails rather than cough ails. Yawn indeed.

First support, Yuck, pushed their set to a later time, but I only caught one song. The LDN lads are likened to Dinosaur Jr, and I see why. The monotone J Mascis-esque vocals of Daniel Blumberg added a lazy context to his stage presence, making me feel Yawn was actually present in the venue – the lethargic action that is, not the band. The only semblance of movement was Blumberg’s relaxed sighs ruffling drummer Jonny Rogoff’s afro. But I liked their sound.

Here come the Perf bois.

Check 1-2-3

Tame Impala’s sound check d-r-a-g-g-e-d on, and I’m not sure if it did any good given the random feedback and muffled mics. [Or perhaps it was their accents? I haven’t been gone from home that long, have I?!] Despite this, Tame Impala dominated the Phoenix with their green screen of oscillating sound sensors – comprehension of Jay’s nonsensical comments was not needed. Esp when he was drumming sans shirt and Cons, he looked [but unfortunately was not] naked behind his kit. Jay’s drumming stole the show, and I say that without any drumming bias [okay, maybe I have a lil] but his abs kind of commanded attention. Did I say abs? I meant charisma. I jest! I jest! He got those abs through some very talented drumming.

Leaping Angels

The crowd was loving it, with a repeat offender jumping onstage, jiving, being gently coaxed off stage by shy security and falling into the arms of the sweaty crowd. The Phoenix is a good venue, more intimate and conveniently located to DT TTC. The acoustics, especially for the bass, were great, making for a condensed and sharp sound [rather than soulful swirls]. Only downfall – the bar is located right near the door for which was annoying to line up.

I loved Tame Impala’s cover of Massive Attack’s Angel halfway through their set. With only just the first chords, it was unmistakably the deep, dirty and dark bass lines of Mezzanine’s first single. Tame’s awesome rendition proved their musical range and eclectic take on music in general. What does a psychedelic rock hypno-groove melodic version of trip-hop sound like? … Exactly! Some thought the 2 min overture of feedback was a bit too much ear bleeding for one night though. Expectation deserves note as well, switching the crowd to more upbeat swaying.

[Check out the "Angel" cover here taken from actual gig - vid not my own.]
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JloujwN6Owc

Half (Full) Encore

Finishing on an extended medley of Half Full Glass of Wine, Tame Impala didn’t need shoes and they certainly didn’t need an encore with this set ender. The crowd was left groovin’ their bodies like “the movement in Orion’s nebula and the slime from a snail journeying across a footpath”, and wanting an encore even though they knew they weren’t going to get one. It didn’t matter. They weren’t expecting to the tame the beast. This wild ride was more than enough.

[Check out a video not from the gig and not my own which showcases my new favourite song - the "non-encore".]
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqnACft7rWk

Set list

[Revised list coming soon, please send me any corrections as I don't really remember the order.]

Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?

Solitude Is Bliss

It’s Not Meant To Be

Alter Ego

Expectation

Desire Be Desire Go

Angel [Massive Attack cover]

Jeremy’s Storm ["dedicated" to Osama Bin Laden]

Lucidity

Runway, Houses, City, Clouds

Skeleton Tiger / Half Full Glass of Wine [finale!]

No encores! Stayed true to their word!