After five years, Kevin Parker releases his fifth album ‘Deadbeat’. A chameleon when it comes to the creation of his music, as he states in an interview with Zane Lowe, “That’s always something that I get a kick out of: just shaking up expectations.” Even with the everchanging sound, one thing stays the same; vibes are brought. The album singles roll out has heavily indicated the direction, from the house based ‘End of summer’, drum machine ridden ‘Dracula’ and ‘Loser’ closing the door on ‘The Slow Rush’. These singles have soon become favourites and on heavy rotation bringing excitement for what’s to come.
So, can the whole album match the singles on ‘Deadbeat’? Or does it strive too far from the known?
Starting off piano based and just vocals before the chorus on ‘My Old Ways’ sprays colour everywhere. Lyrically captivating the album name “I must be out of excuses, I knew I would.” The drum machine is perfect for two-stepping to, and the synths bring retro into an ever-present song.
‘No Reply’ has a tech house drumbeat, which is constant with minor change and vocals that start monotone before being used as an instrument itself. The piano and harmonies act as the comedown after a wild night.
Detailing a perfect night coming to an end and trying to sweeten a lover. ‘Dracula’ has everything a perfect song has. Harmonies plague through and the drums are infectious making it impossible not to move. A bassline creeps throughout but has Thundercat qualities. It doesn’t just have everything of a perfect song, it is one.
As previously stated, ‘Loser’ seems to close the door on a different era but still shows it’s in him. Latin inspired guitar which is the catalyst for the underlying beat throughout. Derogatory lyrics about himself, but with a flair only gained with experience. Vocals whine but, match what’s being said like “I’m a tragedy”.
Afrobeat inspired drumbeat is at the centre of ‘Oblivion’. With vocals that are the embodiment of Tame Impala. The feeling of slipping into an abyss is perfectly captured however, there isn’t any movement within the song and stays on the same wave throughout.
‘Not My World’ creates a mix between ambient and trance EDM with a slow and magical beat which transports you to another place. The vocals are psychedelic weaving throughout the beat. Trance fully takes over as the vocals drop off and a realm is created.
Synths are used to create an orchestral effect on ‘Piece of Heaven’. Harmonies create an ethereal effect whilst the lyrics indicate music is his heaven even though it might not make sense to others. The EDM effects are added showing a contrast between the future and past. A simple piano ballad and luxurious harmonies bow us out.
A simple acoustic guitar riff opens ‘Obsolete’ before it becomes expansive when the drums and vocals come in which creates a bridge between Indie and EDM. Similar to ‘Dracula’ in style but gives a sleeker offering. Drums seem straight out of a Pharrell production.
Techno explodes out of ‘Ethereal Connections’ with the BPM being able to give someone a heart attack. Parker describes Techno as a ‘guilty pleasure’ so it’s not a surprise that it’s a part of the album. Vocals act as an antithesis to the beat however, it’s Tame Impala style it works giving a nineties rave feel.
Keyboard drives the vocals along on ‘See you on Monday (You’re Lost)’. Synths create a futuristic landscape while the vocals act as your guide/protector. Harmonies are beautiful throughout sometimes not perfect but there is beauty in that.
‘Afterthought’ introduces us to Parker’s take on House. The two step comes back as the beat shoots through the nervous system. The vocals are perfect for the beat, melodic and supports the beat. Pacha Ibiza will be on the phone.
Tech House returns to close the album on ‘End of Summer’. Time seems to slip away as the beat pulsates through the veins. Psychedelic vocals add touches of his previous work but is supported through by where he’s going. A DJ set closer.
It was no surprise to me where Tame Impala was going with ‘Deadbeat’, as for the past few years Parker has been doing popup DJ sets, most notably at Glastonbury. Many criticisms of the album are going at the fact he’s gone towards EDM, but for someone who’s everchanging is that much of a surprise. The album is magical and perfectly blends many subgenres of EDM and Indie. The use of drum machines, synths and vocals creates landscapes similar to ‘InnersSpeaker’ yet in a different way. For someone who’s previously created four near perfect albums it’s easy to slam this album as being the weakest of the five, however Parker has created albums for everyone. ‘Dracula’ is a perfect song and the whole album is worth a listen!
Tame Impala: Deadbeat – Out 17 October 2025 (Columbia)
Impala – End Of Summer (Official Video)
