Album Review and rap beefs: Tame Impala, Currents.

Friday, 31 July 2015, 2:56 pm
Article: Francis Cook

Tame Impala’s new album Currents has one of the hallmarks of an enduring album. At first listen it seems like good, if somewhat ordinary, pop but as you go back more and more layers unravel revealing deeply rich, expertly crafted songs.

The first track, “Let it Happen” is a perfect testament to this. After a catchy first four minutes you’re lured into complacency - the track then descends into a repetitive loop marked by string section. When song swings back, everything becomes pronounced – the drums especially, slightly off-kilter rhythms being the norm for the band. Kevin Parker’s voice returns for barely discernible bridge while the track comes together into a Daft Punk-esque banger. Start the track from the beginning, you realise the whole thing is absolutely brilliant.

After a brief respite we are lead back into another catchy standout, “The Moment”, which begs to be sung along to. The craftsmanship is incredible. Kevin Parker is balls to the wall with the sound employed. Despite the conspicuous absence of guitar on many of the tracks, Currents has a strong “Tame Impala” sound to it. It may be a departure from earlier albums Lonerism and Innerspeaker in its poppier sensibility, but nonetheless remains instantly recognizable.

To be so consistently good while evolving is a rare talent. Currents puts Tame Impala in the league of Radiohead, The National and Daft Punk who share this ability. Parker is evidently singing break-up songs here. On "Eventually" he sings “I know that I’ll be happier/and I know you will too/eventually,” Tackling intimate issues while such grace and skill is an astonishing feat.

Personally, the stakes were high for me with Currents. Tame Impala became my favourite band shortly after Innerspeaker and I sincerely hoped I would like this album. I love it.

No gigs to cover this week which is actually a relief. Though I would like to go to Jon Spencer tonight. Future dropped his new album DS2 which I’m still unsure about.

Young Thug and Birdman have been in the news recently for allegedly ordering a hit on Lil Wayne. I thought the whole beef was made up to be honest. I figured Lil Wayne, on his way out of rapping, was propping up Young Thug through creating a beef, thereby creating controversy. I’m pretty disappointed with the whole thing. Young Thug and Birdman are an amazing duo. Barter 6 is one of my favourite albums this year. But I loved Lil Wayne since I was 13.

This track by The Weeknd is still gaining mileage, with the music video released yesterday.

YG release a new track which reminds me of the early 2000s

And this is from Future’s new album though it’s been out for a while now. I dedicate this one to Lyndon who constantly corrects my fucked up commas.

ENDS

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Francis Cook

Reporter

Francis studied History, gaining a first class honours in 2014. He is interested in politics, music and popular culture. His thesis looked at nuclear themes in Japanese film history.

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