Tame Impala
Currents (Interscope)
Producing a follow up to two monstrously successful albums can be nerve wracking. Even more so knowing that must not only please critics, but an entire league of fans that linger on your every word, drum sound and synth modulation.
Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker faces this predicament head-on withCurrents, the third LP from Australia’s biggest export since Uggs boots and Kylie Minogue. On opener “Let It Happen”, he is the guru of positive affirmations, repeating the phrase over electric Kool Aid disco. “Yes I’m Changing” has a similar theme of self-acceptance and go-with-the-flow-isms. Parker sings “Yes I’m changing / Yes I’m done / Yes I’m older / Yes I’m moving on”. It is ambiguous and dreamy, suitable for a breakup or life transition.
The psychedelic leanings of Tame Impala still ring true on Currents, though they have mostly replaced fuzz guitar with glowing synths. Their sound remains stadium sized, but Parker is growing up and moving on. His ability to balance real-talk with psych-pop is his legacy on Currents. It makes what could easily be a good rock record a great one. We all need some kind of guru in life, so why not be your own?
Rating: ★★★★1/2
