Everything seems to be coming up Kevin Parker. Since his last album, 2015's heartbroken Currents, the Tame Impala leader has gotten married, had a song covered by Rihanna, collaborated with Lady Gaga and Kanye West, and headlined Coachella.
Perhaps that's why he sounds so content on The Slow Rush, a slick and densely layered album that shifts away from the melancholy of Currents and tones down the woozy psychedelia Tame Impala are usually known for. The synths are laser sharp, with giddy disco rhythms bolstered by pattering congas and throbbing bass.
The idea of Kevin Parker taking cues from his mega-famous collaborators is promising in theory, but The Slow Rush doesn't quite have the hooks to be full-blown pop. Disco banger "It Is True" has a killer groove but an understated chorus, while the yacht-rocking single "Borderline" is slinky rather than explosive. These songs aren't going to supplant "Elephant" as Tame Impala's most ubiquitous anthem.
This album will be fantastic at your next backyard barbecue. It's upbeat, fashionable and sounds great in the background when you're only half paying attention. Rather than seizing his moment in the spotlight, Parker sounds like he's just enjoying the journey.
(Interscope)Perhaps that's why he sounds so content on The Slow Rush, a slick and densely layered album that shifts away from the melancholy of Currents and tones down the woozy psychedelia Tame Impala are usually known for. The synths are laser sharp, with giddy disco rhythms bolstered by pattering congas and throbbing bass.
The idea of Kevin Parker taking cues from his mega-famous collaborators is promising in theory, but The Slow Rush doesn't quite have the hooks to be full-blown pop. Disco banger "It Is True" has a killer groove but an understated chorus, while the yacht-rocking single "Borderline" is slinky rather than explosive. These songs aren't going to supplant "Elephant" as Tame Impala's most ubiquitous anthem.
This album will be fantastic at your next backyard barbecue. It's upbeat, fashionable and sounds great in the background when you're only half paying attention. Rather than seizing his moment in the spotlight, Parker sounds like he's just enjoying the journey.
