Kevin Parker’s latest Tame Impala album, Deadbeat, blends his signature psychedelic sound with new inspiration from the electronic scene of his native Western Australia. This scene incorporates spontaneous elements of techno and dance music to make for an upbeat experience.
The first track, “My Old Ways,” kicks off with only vocals and a looped jazz piano, eventually morphing into a complete genre shift around the one-minute mark. The song transitions into a house-style, with a thumping that gives it a completely new vibe. It tells the story of achieving success, yet always having internal struggles and wishing things would go back to the way they were, as Parker supposedly suffers from imposter syndrome.
“Ethereal Connection” features immersive beats and strong production quality, reminiscent of Parker’s previous album, Currents. It is a refreshing new direction in Tame Impala’s musical arsenal, as it doesn’t align with the signature sound. However, it can become a bit repetitive, though that adds to the song’s house music qualities. It also tells a beautiful story of two people who are deeply intertwined and support each other throughout life’s journey.
Other strong tracks include “Loser,” “Dracula,” and “End Of Summer.” These songs are each unique in their own ways, again straying from Parker’s previous musical type.
“Loser” explores themes of loneliness and self-loathing because of Parker’s impostor syndrome issues. The lyrics perfectly encapsulate how thoughts sound with a self-deprecating attitude, contradicting the upbeat and enjoyable musicality.
“Dracula” is a metaphor for a nocturnal life, with themes of detachment and desires that transcend isolation. The vocals and well-placed musical additions are mashed together to create a flowing yet chaotic, forward-moving beat.
The final track of Deadbeat, “End of Summer,” beautifully wraps up the themes associated with the journey of life by incorporating layered beats that create a feeling of euphoria. Each of these songs offers listeners a glimpse into the beauty and disappointments of life, while providing new psychedelic sounds that contrast with those on former albums.
There is no doubt that Tame Impala can continue to captivate audiences, as Parker’s gift for crafting technically unique music stays unwavering. Each phase in his career showcases his passion for the music he makes, telling personal yet relatable stories in every album.
