The Slow Rush
Tame Impala (Kevin Parker’s one-man-band) released his latest album “The Slow Rush,” a psychedelic indie rock album that transcends musical boundaries in 2020.
Providing the listener a space to zone out and float away with the trippy beats, Parker uses guitar riffs, bass solos, vocal effects and synthesizers to create another unique and skillful album. Having been brought to world-wide fame by his previous album “Currents” in 2015, Parker waited 5 years before releasing “The Slow Rush.” Unfortunately, just weeks after its release the world shut down due to Covid-19. But that didn’t stop the dutiful Tame Impala fans from welcoming him back to the stage two years later with the “Slow Rush Tour.”
I was able to see Parker's magnificent show on Monday, March 21. Throughout the day, I was constantly checking the time, waiting for school to end so me and my friends could rush to the venue (Asheville’s Cellular Center). We got in line around 4 p.m., and already it was stretching around the block. We sat outside until 6:30, admiring the fashionable people in line with us, while applying glitter on each other's faces. Once the line began to move inside, I pulled my friends along and down into the pit in front of the stage. We sprinted to claim a spot on the barricade to the left of the stage, and let out a celebratory whoop for being so close. The arena filled up very quickly after that. The floor became completely filled with fans, along with the seats above.
Around 9 p.m. the show officially began. The screen behind the stage was illuminated with a mock-pharmaceutical ad for “Rushium,” a time therapy “drug.” As the woman in the ad continued to talk, her voice and movements began to slow, until her words were unrecognizable and disappeared into a rainbow haze on the screen, fading into the first number of the setlist “One More Year.”
Parker and his accompanying band took to the stage, electrifying the crowd. The stage and arena around us began to light up in the dazzling laser and light display that continued with every song. Crisp monochromatic colors shot through the audience and onto the walls illuminating the room with every beat. I will say with all honesty, this was some of the best lighting I’ve ever seen at a concert. There was never a dull minute with Tame Impala, and I swear if we could, the whole crowd would’ve been levitating.
Throughout the show, I was impressed with Parker's guitar solos and bass riffs, especially in “Eventually,” “Let It Happen” and “Elephant.” The sheer volume and power the instruments exerted from the stage was enough to shake the building. To experience it with an Asheville crowd made it all the better as well. During “It Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” Parker pointed the microphone towards us, earning a room filled with our singing and applause.
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During the encore, as the band was offstage, the room was lit with flashlights from the fans' phones as they cheered “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” You could really tell that everyone there was enjoying themselves. Not only was there a spectacular laser show, but also an amazing explosion of conteffi from cannons lining the front of the stage. Blasting the rainbow paper during “Let it Happen,” “Same Person, Same Old Mistakes,” and “One More Hour” created an enchanting atmosphere in which everyone was happy all at once, reaching for the sky. The air was literally filled with the confetti because there was so much of it.
One of the many reasons I think this show was so perfect and amazing, is because the genre of music Parker makes perfectly corresponds with the interactive and dazzling display he puts on. His messages in his songs, and the vibe he creates with his psychedelic music is just begging for a tour to be as creative and unforgettable as this. Words honestly cannot do this show justice. It was an amazing experience that I’ve been replaying in my head ever since. Thank you Tame Impala for stopping by Asheville!
COMPANION PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6TQFAbZnaFKrWzhFz73QBa?si=94cfc97abd214cc3
Daley Hooten is a high school student, writer and music aficionado living in Asheville, North Carolina. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
