Like the triumphant Tame Impala debut, Innerspeaker, Lonerism is basically the work of a single man, Kevin Parker. While it isn't a concept album, it's like an exercise in solitude. With titles like "Mind Mischief" and "Why Won't They Talk To Me" it's hard not to see the entire record as a portal into Parker's head. Even the cover shows a crowd at a park, while the back cover shows Parker alone, surrounded by his tools.

On the surface it would be easy to dismiss Lonerism as the same old bag from Tame Impala. As someone who enjoyed Innerspeaker greatly and often, this couldn't be further from the truth. There is more color and layers, and there is a looser approach to the song structure. "Be Above It" swirls around you after a Spoon-like rhythm whisper, the power of the low end is impressive, even on a cd or mp3. However, this is an album that benefits greatly from headphones, and if possible, vinyl.

Throughout the album, Parker relies heavily on analog synthesizers and keyboards, rather than guitars. The result is a closer play for a vintage sound, sure, but Parker's progressive style prevents it from being a full on 60's psych revival. "Apocalypse Dreams" follows a trucking drum and key groove, but then falls apart around Parkers heavily echoed vocal, with a fantastic middle section and outro. "Mind Mischief" dials in a great guitar tone, doubled, and the vocal harmonies almost put it in the Revolver ballpark. The incredible track "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" has Parker leaning further into the pop realm, and in addition to the truly memorable melody, there is great instrumentation and makes for an amazing presentation.

Another standout track, "Elephant" is a groovy, QOTSA-style rock & roll song. It has that walking-down-the-street groove, like the BeeGee's "Staying Alive," or something like that. It's heavy, solid, sonic, catchy, and worthy of multiple listens, for sure. Once it falls down the rabbit hole after the first two verses, he trades guitars and keyboard solos. 60's psychedelia sometimes had a nightmarish quality that you just don't hear much anymore, and "Elephant" nails it, but still manages to sound fresh. "He pulled the mirrors off his Cadillac (yeah) 'cause he doesn't like it looking like he looks back." That's just too cool.

Lonerism is awesome, and a leap forward for Parker and Tame Impala, and I can't wait to see what's next.