Culture Editor
Grammy winner Kevin Parker, Tame Impala’s creator, dropped the project’s latest album, Deadbeat, on Oct. 17. It is Tame Impala’s fifth record, following Innervisions, Lonerism, Currents, and its previous project, the Slow Rush. Deadbeat is a continuation of the Slow Rush in many ways, having a similar psychedelic-electric sound and energy.
The project opens with My Old Ways, a track that skillfully blends its catchy hook, “Back into my old ways again,” with an electronic feel, aiming to keep the listener engaged. Parker opens the track with flowing piano chords and his trademark, almost ethereal voice, before dropping the beat, enhancing the audio quality, and letting the drums shine. It’s reminiscent of hits from his 2015 album Currents, with a strong beat, and it also incorporates harmonic elements to keep the track from dragging. The song establishes some of the album’s patterns immediately, with later tracks being similarly synth-heavy and incorporating melodic piano at emotional moments.
Parker’s next song, No Reply, sticks to many of the album’s key themes, featuring an even more robotic feel. The track follows Parker as he grapples with his differences, struggling to fit in and perform to others’ expectations. The song lays its foundation with similar piano chords to the prior song, making the tracks feel inextricably linked. No Reply reinforces the album’s themes and adds to Parker’s myriad of relaxed listens.
Dracula, the record’s third track, is a dance-oriented pop song taking clear inspiration from rave music. Its lyrics describe Parker at a never-ending party, using Dracula as a metaphor for keeping the night going and running from the sun. One of the album’s strongest, it was one of three tracks released as a single before the project’s release. It’s incredibly catchy, encouraging listeners to dance. The track incorporates many instruments – most notably a synth, a phenomenal hook, and a strong bassline. The song has already made waves, debuting at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.
Track four, Loser, sees a more sullen Parker reflect on a past relationship. Its instrumentation is a departure from the rest of the album, using the guitar more prominently and distancing itself from the record’s electronic vibe, but maintaining some of its influence. The track’s featured guitar riff is electrifying, adding to its overall groove. It is the second single Parker dropped before the album’s release.
Another standout track includes Obsolete, a catchy alternative pop tune that explores Parker’s insecurities. Additionally, Afterthought, a groovy track with a bass line reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and End of Summer, the record’s closing track, are phenomenal listens.
While Deadbeat might not be the rock return to Lonerism some fans were hoping for, it’s still an incredible showing from Parker. Its quality sound and emphasis on Parker’s classic tropes are sure to satisfy fans of not just the Slow Rush, but also his previous albums like Currents.
(Sources: Genius)
Categories: Culture