"Lonerism" is the second studio album by Australian musical project Tame Impala, released on October 5, 2012, through Modular Recordings. Like its predecessor, Innerspeaker (2010), the album was primarily written, recorded, and produced by Kevin Parker, with Jay Watson contributing to two tracks. Recorded mainly in Perth, Australia, and Paris, France, Lonerism builds on the psychedelic sound of Innerspeaker, incorporating fewer guitars and more synthesizers and samples, aiming for catchier pop melodies. The album's cover, featuring a fenced-off Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, reflects its theme of isolation.
The album received critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of the best albums of 2012. It peaked at number four in Australia, number 14 in the UK, and number 34 in the US, selling over 210,000 copies in the US and achieving platinum certification in Australia and silver in the UK. At the 2013 ARIA Awards, Lonerism won Best Rock Album and Album of the Year, while it received a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. The singles "Elephant" and "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" charted well internationally.
Following the success of Innerspeaker, which garnered multiple accolades, Parker began writing for Lonerism almost immediately. He recorded it in various locations during Tame Impala's tours, embracing a more spontaneous and experimental approach compared to the structured recording of the debut album. Parker described this period as one of creative discovery, experimenting with new sounds and melodies.
Parker recorded Lonerism in diverse locations, utilizing a home studio setup and capturing ambient sounds with a dictaphone. He expressed a desire to incorporate elements of pop music, leading to a mix of experimental psychedelia and catchy melodies. The album features influences from Todd Rundgren and showcases a transition toward more synthesizers and electronic elements, reflecting Parker's exploration of different musical landscapes.
Lyrically, Lonerism explores themes of isolation and introspection, with Parker describing it as a prequel to Innerspeaker. The album captures the persona of someone grappling with loneliness while attempting to find their place in the world. Ambient recordings throughout the album further enhance this theme, immersing listeners in Parker's experiences and emotions.
The album's artwork, created by Leif Podhajsky, features a photograph taken by Parker with a Diana F camera. It visually represents the themes of isolation, with the gate symbolizing separation from others. Parker highlighted the various details within the image, inviting listeners to engage with it on multiple levels.
On June 27, 2012, Tame Impala released a trailer for the album, and the single "Apocalypse Dreams" was made available for free download on July 9, 2012. The first official single, "Elephant," was released on July 26, 2012. The album was leaked on September 6, leading to heightened anticipation.
Overall, Lonerism is celebrated for its innovative sound, emotional depth, and unique blend of pop and psychedelic influences, solidifying Tame Impala's place in contemporary music.
