Tame Impala – La Sala Rossa – 11.23.10
The night started off with Kuroma and their catchy, synth-soaked tunes. While they were playing, I was imagining a wicked space-themed video game from the 80′s, and their music was the perfect soundtrack to my dorky intergalactic imaginings. While they are a newly-formed band, lead singer Hank Sullivant has been in numerous projects before, such as The Whigs, and a little band called MGMT…maybe you’ve heard of them? The diversity of their set, their album and Hank’s past work is a clear indication that this man has range in talent, and is surely to continue growing. Look out for Kuroma in the future as they are surely on the rise.
Following Kuroma was Oklahoma’s Stardeath & White Dwarfs, who have toured with none other than the Flaming Lips (thanks to some family ties). While I was unsure of what to think of the lead singer clad in a Pocahontas-inspired shirt and fuzzy UGG-like boots, the opening bass line completely distracted me from his bizarre attire. A skillful musician to say the least, his connection with the drummer was one that many strive for. While the rhythm section had their part down, the vocals didn’t exactly fit the band’s sound. Not to say that Dennis Coyne (yes, nephew of the one and only Wayne Coyne) doesn’t have an enjoyable voice, but the band’s live sound has a completely different style than that of their produced, layered and mixed album. Live, however, the overall product was much heavier and as a whole, more memorable.
Tame Impala was up next, and had to step up their game to be able to impress the crowd after Stardeath. They opened up with “It’s Not Meant To Be” and while they proved their musicianship, the song lacked the emotion and enthusiasm found on the album. Seeing that these guys are only touring their debut album and considering the amount of success they have gotten in such little time, it is understandable that they could be a little overwhelmed. Lead singer Kevin Parker (who was discreetly barefoot the entire set) seemed kind of nonchalant about the whole situation, and the fact that the room was scorching hot and sweaty (due to the show being sold out) didn’t seem to lift his stagnancy. Oddly enough, their songs were all fitting to his mood and were played much slower than on the album. While I left somewhat disappointed after Tame Impala, the show as a whole was a delightful, psychedelic treat. – Amelia Robitaille
Tame Impala
Star Death & White Dwarfs
Kuroma
Photography by Amelia Robitaille
