Tame Impala have no need to prove themselves anymore. They have quickly outputted two incredibly solid albums, ones that not only emulate a very historic psychedelic rock sound, but expand upon it.
“Let It Happen” was released as one of the singles back in March, and it left every fan itching for more. Some were surprised that a nearly eight minute track could be marketed as a single in the modern music scene, but should we expect anything less from Tame Impala? It acts as a perfect opening track for Currents, representing many styles in a short 7:47. Most notable influence: Gorillaz at 5:30.
They seemingly make up for the lengthy opener with a track just less than two minutes titled “Nangs.” It almost feels like its sole purpose is to calm everything down and inhibit introspection after a roller coaster beginning to the album.
Tracks like “The Moment,” “Disciples,” and “The Less I Know The Better” bring me back to the style of some of their older music. It has that driving tempo paired with Kevin Parker’s elongated melodies that I’ve learned to love from them. It’s also nice to hear that vintage, mono sound that defined the early years of their success as they gained popularity in the States.
This record, however, goes far beyond that.
The serene “Yes I’m Changing” explores our human emotions as we go through change; struggle and confusion followed by acceptance. The lyrics are to the point and almost make it feel like a conversation rather than a song, a trend that we see throughout the record in a few places.
I felt the strangest emotion but it wasn’t hate / for once
To me, three tracks stand out as unbelievably unique artistic statements, though it’s worth noting that they are almost entirely surrounded by tracks that already live up to or exceed the standard set by Innerspeaker and Lonerism.
First, we have “Eventually.” Though the song opens up sounding more like a garage rock sound with a few synths, it quickly takes the tone down and hypnotizes us. The lyrics are incredibly relatable, something Kevin Parker is getting very good at these days. The instrumentals vary dynamics incredibly effectively through the increased layers with each chorus and tasteful use of silences and pauses.
Tame Impala have a way to make normally irritating sounds into something beautiful, and that has never been truer than in this song. Listen to the wavering synth behind the verses, first entering at 0:17. How about the more forward keyboard part that enters at 3:13? The bottom line is that, if any of us were given that take to work with, we would not know how to surround it with layers that made it sound good, let alone unnoticeable at times.
The second song I really like is “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” It has a strange, Arctic Monkeys vibe to it paired with a bit of drama, like it could be in a creepy musical or film. Similar to the chorus in “Eventually,” I’m just overwhelmed by grooviness with the entrance of every chorus, which has kept me coming back to them more than any other songs.
The final key to appreciating this album lies where I least thought I would find it with the first listen, at track number eight. “Past Life” may be one of the boldest statements this band has ever made, featuring a Jigsaw-like vocal effect in the verse over a man that acts more as a narrator than a vocalist. This almost creepy sounding verse explodes into a haunting, repetitive chorus that enhances the story of the lyrics with perfection.
The idea of the song is enough to make anyone feel like they just took some drugs and are deep in one of those normally unattainable places of our minds. It explores the idea of subconscious memories of a past life suddenly being revealed to us. The instrumentals accent the story powerfully, particularly in the first entrance of the chorus and the verse at 1:25. Beyond the perspective of popular music and instead in the spirit of being artists, I believe this to be their best production ever.
This album is what it is because of the ingenious writing of Kevin Parker paired with impeccable production for the style. I find it tough to compare their albums, but this one is by far the most varied in influences. If you haven’t already, you need to pick up a copy.
-Matt
