Tame Impala
Currents
Modular
Every so often an artist produces an album that comes from left field. Whether itโs a change in their subject matter or sound, these albums often turn out to be the ones we remember them for. The Beach Boysโ Pet Sounds, Radioheadโs Kid A and Bowieโs Low are just a few examples. The latest from Tame Impala, Currents, can be likened to these revolutionary records with its drastic departure from its predecessors.
Since 2008, studio mastermind, Kevin Parker has been releasing his extraordinary psych-rock under the name Tame Impala. Over the last few years, Parkerโs sound has evolved from the Cream style, that was apparent on Tame Impalaโs self-titled EP, to a lush Magical Mystery Tour vibe on the critically acclaimed Innerspeaker and Lonerism.
After the release of 2012โs Lonerism, most people probably thought Parker would have stayed in the realm of psych-rock. But to the surprise of many he made the jump to R&B, for the greatly anticipated Currents. Recorded over three years, the album gives us Parker at his most prolific and focused level. All 13 tracks are all exceedingly unique, with each one exploring new territory.
The most notable difference sonically on Currents is the lack of guitar, which has been replaced, for the most part, with vintage synthesizers. The heavy synth vibe gives the album an โ80s feel at times (The backing track to โThe Momentโ sounds almost identical to โEverybody Wants to Rule the Worldโ), but for the most part the album is about as modern as rock can sound in the 2010s.
While the album does keep some signature psychedelic elements, it is obvious that the song progressions are disco/R&B influenced. According to Parker he listened to โ90s pop and R&B while he was making the album, which comes through on the final product.
With song titles such as โYes Iโm Changingโ and โNew Person, Same Old Mistakesโ itโs clear that Parker is going through some major changes. Currents is clearly a breakup album. On the surface it is a breakup album that deals with the end of a relationship. On โEventuallyโ the chorus is essentially a redo of the โitโs not you itโs meโ with โBut Iโll know that Iโll be happier/And I know you will too/Eventually.โ Beyond the lyrics, Currents is also a breakup album in terms of his relationship with music, in particular guitar-based music. While the guitar may take a back seat on this album Parkerโs heavily distorted power-chord solo can be heard loud and clear on album opener, โLet It Happenโ.
Music aside, Parkerโs vocals have also changed radically. Dispensing with his nasally John Lennon-esque singing style, he has replaced it with a poppier, falsetto that pulls the listener in and keeps them absorbed in the albums infectious melodies. โThe Less I Know the Betterโ, the albums true highlight, is a prime example.
Currents may seem a bit off-putting to long-time Tame Impala fans with it shift from psych-rock to R&B but the more you listen to the album, the more it grows on you. It sneaks up on you and gets better with each listen. The only real downside to Currents is that it will be difficult for Parker to top himself when he does release another album. But with his musical brilliance, you canโt put it past him
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SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TAME IMPALA – CURRENTS
Ryan Sagadore