Tame Impala is one man.
One man who has completely changed the face of music. One man who, through “Currents,” released one of the most important albums of the century. One man who has been through radio silence and the Billboard Top 100.
This man is named Kevin Parker. He has released five albums under the name Tame Impala. The latest of these albums, “Deadbeat,” came out on Oct.17 To the world’s surprise, this man was not done making music. To one’s surprise, Parker made what he wanted, not what the world expected him to make.
A Tame Impala song is pretty easy to identify. It probably has a lot of filters, noisy snares, slapping bass and vocals that fit like a puzzle in the music. To put it simply, Tame Impala sounds like Tame Impala.
“Deadbeat” is not like this. Instead of his usual psychedelic, synth-pop lane, “Deadbeat” is house music. It is filled with empty beats, quiet moments, subtle music and slow pacing. “Deadbeat” is different. Regardless of what the fans or the world want, Parker made an album that sounds nothing like his others.
Can his talent translate into a new genre?
The short answer is: kind of. “Deadbeat” is mixed in its genre, pacing, theming and success. Kind of is the answer for every question about “Deadbeat.”
Does the album show off Parker’s musical talent? Kind of. This new genre is not playing to his strengths. Iconic bass licks become boring sub bounces. Bright soundscapes become empty spaces.
To the dismay of all, groovy drums become a simple four on the floor kick. On this new album, Parker not just ditched what Tame Impala is known for, he also ditched what made Tame Impala great. What we’re left with is decent,but not amazing.
No doubt Parker succeeded in making a house album. All of the songs could be played at a club without much resistance. But he did not succeed in creating a great album.
Of course, there are excellent songs. “Dracula” is a banger, and “Old Ways” is a great intro, but they are overshadowed. A lot of the songs feel half-baked, which is ironic because it’s been five years since Tame Impala’s last album.
“Loser” is one of the better tracks on the album because it’s one of the only songs that feel complete. You put “Loser” on the “Currents” album and it does not beat the top half of the tracklist. Even if you put “Deadbeat” in a vacuum, it’s hard to justify high regard.
Parker’s voice in all of these songs has a sleepy, bland delivery. Songs are way too long. Concepts are boring. Just because someone switches genres does not mean we should settle for bad music.
Overall, “Deadbeat” is fine. There is plenty of good and bad. While it can be boring at times, it is hard to justify calling it bad. Falling below Tame Impala’s capabilities, “Deadbeat” produces a lackluster but listenable product.