Released in 2012, Lonerism is the moment Kevin Parker really stepped out of the shadow of his psych-rock influences and became a proper force in modern music. While his debut was great, this second record felt like a massive leap forward in confidence. It captures that specific feeling of being young, slightly isolated, and totally immersed in your own head – all while sounding like it was recorded inside a giant, sun-drenched kaleidoscope.

The sound is a lush mix of fuzzy guitars and thick, synth-heavy layers that feel both retro and futuristic. It’s got that 1960s psychedelic DNA – think John Lennon if he’d had access to a massive rack of analog synthesisers – but it’s polished with a modern pop sensibility. The vibe is brilliantly hazy and immersive, making it the perfect record to get lost in during a long commute or a quiet evening at home. It’s an album that manages to be deeply personal and “lonely” in its lyrics, yet it feels incredibly expansive and warm in its production.

You can’t talk about this one without mentioning “Elephant” – which has one of the best, most stomping riffs of the decade – or the soaring, melodic heights of “Feels like we only go backwards”. But even the deeper cuts like “Mind mischief” show off how well Parker can blend a groovy rhythm section with swirling, melodic dreaminess. It’s an album that stays interesting because it reveals new textures every time you listen. Even years later, it hasn’t aged a day – it still feels like a benchmark for how to make “bedroom pop” sound like a technicolour epic.