It was April 2015 when I was first introduced to the magical music of Tame Impala. The lead single “Let It Happen” from the Currents album had recently been released. I was on a road trip with my friends Mark C. Austin and Dave “Disko Cowboy” Wrangler driving from Houston to the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Mark had downloaded the track for free from the Tame Impala website and had been listening to it almost daily. “Check this out!” he said with a sly smile, the kind you make when you share your favorite thing with your friends and know it will immediately become their favorite thing too.
The band made an appearance later that same year at the Austin City Limits Music Festival where they performed on the Samsung Galaxy main stage just prior to the evening’s headliner, Foo Fighters. Hearing “Let It Happen” live was definitely one of the highlights of the festival.
Last night at Toyota Center, Tame Impala opted to forgo the traditional main stage setup for an elevated, circular stage right in the middle of the arena. Above the stage were a myriad of lights and lasers that hovered over the array of synths, drum machines, guitars and drum kit. Thousands of fans surrounded the stage, eager for the show to begin.
Parker and the rest of the band took the stage promptly at 8:45 p.m. and the stage came to life with alternating red, green, violet and bright white lights and lasers. It was as if the ignition of the band’s spaceship had suddenly been turned on and we were all along for the ride.
Even the video feed from the lone cameraman onstage was dreamy and psychedelic. Using a slow shutter speed, their video was filled with motion-blur and streaks, almost ghost-like. It fit perfectly with the vibes of the music: dreamy, fantastical and transcendent.
“Houston, what’s up?” asked Parker after the opening trio of songs. “You are all looking beautiful. Are we going to have some fun tonight or what?!”
Parker seemed genuinely ecstatic to be in the city. “Alright H-Town, let me take a look at you for a second” he said as the lights were turned brighter. “We always have so much fun in your city, and that’s the truth! I don’t say that everywhere!”
A friend who missed the show asked me if Parker moved around much during the set. Oh, he definitely moved! Played guitar on one end, sangs while he sat on the other side of the stage, and even lay down in the center surrounded by blue lights.
Then mid-set he did something I’ve never seen at a show: a camera followed behind as he walked offstage, strolled through the backstage hallways straight to the men’s restroom for a pee break. Luckily the camera shifted down to his feet, avoiding any indecent exposure.
When he returned, Parker took up residence on the B-stage, which is a replica of a living room or bedroom setting, something chill and intimate, with a few drum machines, keyboards and vocal loopers around him. It was a stark contrast to the main stage, a large, loud, light filled vessel for the band. This B-stage was a solo joint just for Kevin.
The rest of the evening was back to the main stage grandeur and biggest hits. “Let It Happen” and “The Less I Know the Better” were highlights, ending with “End Of Summer.”
“You guys are so awesome, one of the best cities to play!” Parker proclaimed. “You guys are incredible, thank you so much!”
Houston loves you back. Ready for show number two!
