The Slow Rush- Tame Impala

It’s been five years since musical “genius” Kevin Parker, more commonly known as Tame Impala, unleashed the force that was his third album ‘Currents’ onto the world and along with it the indie-rock classic, ‘The Less I Know The Better.’ With his reputation already cemented in the playlists of teenage indie kids worldwide, what could Kevin do next to carry on with this streak? Release a new album, I guess. 

I would never label myself as anything other than a casual Tame Impala listener, however I think that we can all agree that this album was a bit of a letdown. After teasing us with ‘Borderline,’ it felt like the album was going in an exciting and more experimental direction but this, unfortunately just did not happen.  

The album itself aligns itself with themes of time and nostalgia, first hinted at in the juxtaposed title of the album, however after listening I feel nostalgic for the time I wasted while listening to this glorified background music. There are only two songs on the track list that evoke any emotion within me, the rest is just filler, maybe something you’d hear over the speakers in your local supermarket. 

The true success of the album lies with ‘Borderline’ and its catchy tune and deep-shake-you-to-your-core bass. I really believe that if I told you it was the only reason for the album being made, I think you would agree. The entirety of the album is dissonant filler. Except from the other bearable song, ‘Glimmer,’ which is an attempt at an electronic dance tune which actually works and made the little worms that live in my brain feel like dancing. 

However, there can’t be success if there isn’t a failure and with this album there were too many to count. The absolute lowest low is the final track, entitled ‘One More Hour’ closing the cycle of the album. I rate the effort that Parker has put in with the whole concept of time and linking the first and last track in order to emulate a passage of time and in the process creating the worst songs on the entire album. The monstrosity that ushers us out is just seven minutes of the same four notes while Parker aimlessly mumbles over the top. 

Tame Impala should be locked up for what he has done. Making his fans wait for five years to then edge them with the release of Borderline and then only produce what is a lackluster attempt at a ‘Currents’ follow-up. All I have to say is, good try Kevin, but was a whole album necessary?