Tame Impala
The Gorge Amphitheater George, WA
09.10.2021
Almost two years and two rescheduled appearances, Tame Impala returned somewhat triumphantly to resume the Slow Rush Tour at The Gorge Amphitheater in Washington. Kevin Parker, the mind behind Tame Impala released the album Slow Rush in February of 2020, a month before the pandemic began to ravage the country.
A steady stream of rain fell on the fields early on Friday evening. Due to a combination of the weather and fans still arriving, Parker and his band delayed their performance until just after 10 pm. With the weather passing, the band took the stage as a raucous roar reverberated throughout the venue from the sold-out crowd.
A PSA from what looked like a qualified medical professional introduced and reminded the crowd to sit back and enjoy the effects of the dose of “Rushium” (the band’s self-prescribed concert experience). The woman reassuringly explained what the crowd was about to enjoy and not to worry as her face melted and distorted away. This gave way to the band tearing into One More Year and Borderline, both from the new album. The crowd gave into pandemonium as the extensively psychedelic light show enveloped the venue.
Playing through their extensive catalog, Parker interjected and addressed the crowd in between songs; Parker asked how many people had first seen them perform Sasquatch Festival roughly ten years prior. Reflecting on his experience, he conveyed they always wanted to headline the venue. Humbled by the acknowledging crowd, he seemed content in that dream becoming reality. The banter continued playfully at times, with him asking if the state fruit was a banana. Interspersed with the heavy fuzz of Elephant and the culminating fervor of Let it Happen the pace continued into the evening. They played extensively across the Tame Impala catalog, ending just after midnight. For the seasoned fans and first timers alike, a revelatory psychedelic baptism was done.
Photos and review by Matthew B. Thompson
Tame Impala
