synth from “feels like we only go backwards” by tame impala | ToneDB

feels like we only go backwards

tame impala

synth

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Tone Profile

The synth sound is a dreamy and slightly detuned, with a swirling, psychedelic character. It provides a warm, textured pad that supports the song's melancholic vibe.

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The Story

The synth pad on 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' was created using a Roland Juno-106, one of Kevin Parker's go-to vintage synthesizers. Parker recorded this at his home studio in Fremantle, Australia, where he both produced and engineered the track himself. The characteristic dreamy, detuned quality comes from the Juno-106's built-in chorus and subtle oscillator detuning, which creates the swirling psychedelic texture that supports the song's melancholic atmosphere.

Production Credits

Producer: Kevin Parker

Engineer: Kevin Parker

Recorded at: Kevin Parker's Home Studio (Fremantle, Australia)

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth or square wave on the Roland Juno-106.
  • Apply a subtle chorus effect to add depth and movement.
  • Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to shape the tone.
  • Experiment with detuning one of the oscillators slightly to create a swirling effect.
  • Add a touch of reverb to create space and depth.
  • Consider using a tape emulator plugin to add warmth and saturation to the signal.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Official Roland Boutique recreation of the Juno-106 with the same oscillators, filter, and chorus that created the original dreamy pad sound

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Analog polysynth with Juno-inspired oscillators and built-in chorus, capable of recreating the warm, detuned pad textures at a budget-friendly price

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Highly accurate software emulation of the Juno-106 with authentic chorus modeling and the exact filter characteristics needed for this dreamy synth sound

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Modern Roland synth with authentic Juno-106 modeling plus additional effects processing for enhanced psychedelic textures

Frequently Asked Questions

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