Review
Kevin Parker has really outdone himself with "Deadbeat," diving headfirst into the pulsing world of club culture and coming out with something that feels both familiar and completely fresh. This fifth studio album sees Tame Impala trading some of those lush, maximalist arrangements for something leaner and more focused on the rhythm section. The influence of Western Australia's rave scene and bush doof culture runs through every track, giving the whole thing this infectious energy that makes you want to move. It's fascinating how Parker manages to keep his psychedelic DNA intact while exploring these new electronic territories.
The track selection here is absolutely stellar, with each song offering its own unique flavor of this new direction. "Dracula" brings this wonderfully eerie electro-disco vibe that's both haunting and danceable, while "Piece of Heaven" wraps you in those gorgeous '80s synth textures that feel like a warm hug from the past. "Afterthought" channels some serious New Order energy, and honestly, it gave me chills the first time I heard it. The opening track "My Old Ways" is such a clever way to start things off - that house pulse combined with nostalgic piano creates this perfect bridge between where Parker's been and where he's heading.
What really strikes me about "Deadbeat" is how Parker has embraced this idea of less being more in his production approach. Gone are some of the dense, layered arrangements we've come to expect, replaced by this more spontaneous, breathing quality that lets each element shine. The album dropped through Columbia Records in October 2025, and it feels like perfect timing for Parker to shake things up this way. This rhythm-forward approach breathes new life into the Tame Impala project, proving that evolution doesn't mean abandoning what made you special in the first place. - Ava
