(Photo Credit - Matt Sav)
Advance Review - Tame Impala: The Slow Rush, (February 14, 2020)
Tame Impala is back with his first full-length release since 2015's Currents. The Slow Rush represents a departure from the sound of Currents, which offered synth heavy melodies. The Slow Rush offers 12 all-new Tame Impala tracks that analyze time and our role within the universe through Kevin Parker's unique psychedelic aesthetic. Though the album is lead by singles "Borderline" and "Lost in Yesterday", The Slow Rush has so much more to offer than just those two tracks.
The album features numerous upbeat tracks like "One More Year", "Instant Destiny" and the singles. However, Parker shows his ability to be able to slow things down as well on the incomparable "Posthumous Forgiveness". The track has a deliberate beat accompanied by the careful use of synth work, and Parker's vocals seemed to float above the rhythm in an almost ethereal fashion. The song is unique because it has movements, where the rhythm and vocals are shaken up a bit. It makes the track all the more interesting.
Some of our other favorites included "On Track", a track that features a low-key melody and shifting vocals by Parker. "It Might Be Time", another favorite features prominent vocal work from Parker and dynamic synth and drum work throughout. It's a song that begs you to move. The album ends with "One More Hour" a track that clocks in at just over seven minutes long. "One More Hour" is very grandiose in its aims with booming melodies that rush in and out. It's another song with movements and its totally worth your time.
Fun, diverse, and tight are words I'd use to describe Tame Impala's latest effort. The Slow Rush feels important as you listen to it and brings you a little of everything. For the already faithful, the album will not be a letdown. For those looking to get into Tame Impala, the album is a bit of a departure from Currents, but that's okay. It shows the evolution of Parker as an artist. Bold and eager to tackle bold and complicated ideas, Parker hit the mark here.
Rating - 4.5/5