scenestr - Review: Tame Impala & Brisbane Entertainment Centre

On 9 October 2026, Kevin Parker's Tame Impala kicked off the Australian leg of their tour with a standout performance at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd that ranged from longtime fans to families, all eager to experience one of Australia's most celebrated musical exports. The venue's atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the night unfolded.

Opening the evening was electronic dance music producer Ninajirachi, whose set energized the audience with pulsating beats and vibrant LED visuals. Her 2025 album tracks, including the crowd-favorite title song, provided an engaging prelude that successfully warmed up the venue, which was already bustling with excitement despite only being partially filled at the start.

Following Ninajirachi’s departure amid loud applause, the stage was swiftly transformed to reveal Tame Impala’s innovative setup inspired by Parker’s own Wave House studio in Western Australia. The band arranged their instruments in a semi-circle, fostering an intimate and immersive environment that allowed fans a closer-than-usual view of the musicians’ craft.

The concert commenced with "Apocalypse Dreams," immediately captivating the audience with its psychedelic guitar riffs and driving percussion. A carefully choreographed lighting rig descended and ascended throughout the performance, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle reminiscent of iconic classic sci-fi imagery. This was complemented by an intense laser show, notable for its brightness and precision, which added a futuristic flair to the live experience.

Throughout the set, Parker maintained a dynamic stage presence, often moving beyond the central spotlight to engage with fans near the front barrier. Songs from the latest album "Deadbeat" such as "Borderline" and "Loser" featured prominently, their atmospheric and rhythmic qualities enhanced by shifting hues of pink, purple, and blue lighting.

The band also revisited material from earlier albums, including the industrial-tinged "Gossip" from 2015’s "Currents" and the high-energy "Elephant," which prompted a surge of audience movement and enthusiasm. The setlist was thoughtfully constructed to balance intense, danceable numbers with more contemplative moments, exemplified by the inclusion of "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" and an evocative instrumental interlude with "No Reply."

A notable segment of the show saw Parker briefly stepping away from the main stage to perform solo on a secondary platform surrounded by vintage lamps and electronic equipment. This allowed the artist to explore the electronic textures of tracks like "Ethereal Connection" and "Not My World" in an intimate setting before rejoining the band for the anthemic "Let It Happen."

The concert's latter half featured a mix of fan favorites and newer material, including an Australian live debut of the b-side "List Of People (To Try And Forget About)" and powerful renditions of "Eventually" and "New Person, Same Old Mistakes." The energy remained high as the band returned for an encore, delivering the rousing "Dracula" and closing with the hits "The Less I Know The Better" and "End Of Summer."

The show lasted close to two hours, showcasing Tame Impala's evolution and Parker’s ability to blend psychedelic rock with electronic influences seamlessly. Despite the absence of tracks from their 2010 debut "InnerSpeaker," the performance was widely regarded as a comprehensive representation of the band's artistic breadth. Fans and newcomers alike witnessed a meticulously crafted live experience underscored by technical innovation and emotive musicianship.

This Brisbane concert was an affirming opening to Tame Impala’s Australian tour, which includes upcoming shows in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. The combination of stellar musicianship, immersive stage design, and innovative production elements set a high standard for the remaining performances, underscoring Tame Impala’s status as a leading force in contemporary music.