Album Review: The Slow Rush - Tame Impala

Musical genius, admitted perfectionist, and one-man band frontman Kevin Parker has returned with the release of the long-awaited album The Slow Rush. The five years in-between the critically acclaimed Currents and his most recent offering allowed Parker to let the running theme of time develop in his mind, evolving this album into a concept record with a unique and larger-than-life sound. It was well-worth the wait to say the least.

Tame Impala is special because everything it has to offer is authentic and creative. The signature sound is recognizable on every track, and yet Parker finds a way time and time again to prevent his projects from becoming stale or predictable. The singles released leading up to this record seemed immediately familiar, and fit seamlessly into the band’s discography. Sonically, this album continues to be experimental and inventive, adding to the band’s tradition of offering a new approach to music-making.

The themes and subject matter discussed on The Slow Rush are as deep and as substantive as ever before on a Tame Impala record. Everything from self-doubt, the passage of time, and healing damaged relationships are discussed here, but not so forwardly that this project ever garners a somber tone. Even some of the most cutting lyrics are delivered with an upbeat tone, a juxtaposition which is rare. Opening with “One More Year” and ending with the spectacular “One More Hour” are bookends to a project which discusses man’s relation with time, a very interesting subject not often discussed in this medium.

Almost every track on this album has something to offer. While I found the transitions between tracks to be slightly awkward at times, this album generally flows seamlessly from beginning to end. I went into this album with high expectations, and luckily those expectations were met and then some. Kevin Parker just can’t miss. As someone who is very familiar with the creative process and who has a knack for perfectionism at times, I appreciate the effort and attention to detail Parker puts into every Tame Impala track. This is a solid listen. Can’t wait to go to this concert.

Best tracks: “One More Year”, “Borderline”, “Posthumous Forgiveness”, “Breathe Deeper”, “Lost In Yesterday”, “Is It True”, “One More Hour”

Score: 7/10