Tame Impala’s new studio album entitled “The Slow Rush” was released to prospective listeners on Valentine’s Day.
This was the fourth studio album from the Australian band and the release of this record was preceded by five singles: “Borderline,” “It Might Be Time,” “Posthumous Forgiveness,” “Lost in Yesterday” and “Breathe Deeper.”
“The Slow Rush” is a well-made indie record that takes its time telling a story while not dragging it out and making everything seem worn.
Highlights
1. “Breathe Deeper”
The latest single to be released from “The Slow Rush,” this tune turns into an earworm the moment it comes on. Parker’s high-pitched vocals and melodic synthesizers contribute to the track’s instant catchiness, as well as soft but noticeable electric guitar in the background.
2. “Borderline”
This song has been reworked from its original release and that rework adds to the song’s flavor. Strong percussion and synth lead to a memorable track that discusses a relationship on the verge of collapse.
3. “Is It True”
Parker has admitted that he can’t imagine “The Slow Rush” without this track, and I think that his statement is very within reason. A bouncing bassline and catchy, relatable lyrics help propel the track, and it’s incredibly fun to listen to.
Background
Tame Impala was formed by Australian musician Kevin Parker in 2007 after he had posted a few self-produced tracks on MySpace.
Parker signed a deal with Modular Records in July 2008 and released an eponymous extended play as a debut two months later. In order to play his recordings live to an eager audience, the band added two live members: bassist Dominic Simper and drummer Jay Watson.
They appeared at a variety of music festivals in the following years, including Southbound Festival in the Australian city of Busselton as well as the Big Day Out Festival taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
2010 saw the band releasing their first studio album, “Innerspeaker,” to critical acclaim. They followed that release with two more albums before “The Slow Rush.” “Lonerism” was released in 2012 and “Currents,” which featured a more polished sound, was released in 2015.
The singles "Patience" and "Borderline" debuted to a studio audience during Tame Impala’s Saturday Night Live performance in 2019, garnering praise. "Part of the thing about me starting an album is that I have to feel kind of worthless again to want to make music," said Parker.
The title for this album was officially released on Oct. 25.
Nothing here seems scattered, and that’s a huge positive. There are a few odd edits, but it doesn’t negatively impact the album.
The combination of instrumentals featured in “The Slow Rush,” mellow at times but intense at others, coupled with Kevin Parker’s vocals and skilled production, creates a sonically intriguing work that deserves to be listened to.
