Tame Impala aka Kevin Parker is a unique songwriting beast. He’s many artistic personalities all wrapped up in one visionary artist. For proof, choose any track from any of his four studio LPs and experience a rare combination of talent and tone. Parker is invigorating, inspiring, evocative, and emotive—often all at once. But the glue that holds the sound together—the centrifugal force that keeps the train on the tracks—is Tame Impala’s musical warmth. The songs sparkle like constellations but cover the listener like a cozy blanket.
Vintage Vibes
One way in which Tame Impala achieves this exquisite sonic balance is his love of vintage gear. One example is the famed TR-707 drum machine, released by Roland in 1985. Many music fans have learned about and have become familiar with Roland’s TR-808. (See Mr. Kanye West and his beloved LP, 808s & Heartbreak). By contrast, Roland’s TR-707—with its 15 sound samples and 10-voice polyphony—is a lesser-known instrument. However, it’s no less significant.
"Roland’s TR-707—with its 15 sound samples and 10-voice polyphony—is a lesser-known instrument. However, it's no less significant."
Sharp Versus Round
Where the 808 can be sharp, even biting at times, the 707 is round. It frolics as the 808 attacks. This percussive tone is subtle, especially when blended with the myriad soundscapes. The 707 sound is noticeable, though perhaps, more subconsciously than consciously. Take, for example, the Tame Impala track, “Glimmer,” from Parker’s superb 2020 LP, The Slow Rush. The two-minute tune is as much a dance song as anything else. But, listen close. It’s more of a communal appeal than a competitive compulsion.
An Evocative Machine
Close your eyes and envision smiles and grinning faces as sweat shakes from their hair underneath dance club lights. “I just want to be alone,” Parker repeats in a hushed vocal. With another drum machine, the song might come off cold, blank even. However, thanks to the TR-707, those explorations come off as heartened, not downtrodden. It’s an expert technique utilized by a master. Indeed, the 2020 LP has as much to do with self-inquisition as entertaining the masses. Here, Tame Impala dabbles in existential queries.
“The 707 I love,” Parker says, talking to Sound On Sound. “That’s another one of those things I just find instantly evocative. Especially when you drive it through a tape machine, and you put reverb on it. The 707 is easily my favorite of the Roland drum machine series.”
"'Glimmer' serves as a palate cleanser, offering sonic reprieve on Parker’s The Slow Rush."
Old Friend—New Kicks
“Glimmer” serves as a palate cleanser, offering sonic reprieve on Parker’s The Slow Rush. Nevertheless, it remains a memorable song. On one hand, it comes out of nowhere on a record that boasts as much vim and vigor as any Parker has released. Yet on the other, it softens the LP’s mood. The track, thanks in no small part to the 707, is like an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time. They come to visit bringing cookies, an old photo album, and some brand-new dancing shoes.
