Review: Tame Impala – Currents

Tame Impala
Currents

Modular
Street: 07.17
Tame Impala = Moonlust-era Holydrug Couple x Cut Copy / Ducktails

Currents’ lead song, “Let It Happen,” works perfectly both as a dance track with instant energy and as a disclaimer from Tame Impala mastermind Kevin Parker. “Let It Happen” could be Parker’s words to himself as he sorts through a break up, but to us, they’re Parker’s way of advising that we open our minds to enjoy something new. Prior to Currents, Tame had established themselves as a psychedelic band with plenty of guitar muscle, but a move towards dance-friendly music isn’t surprising, considering each Tame album has sounded progressively cleaner and brighter. Currents’ impressive production sprawls through rock and dance genres without any flaws, and its synth-driven bliss is a natural step forward from 2012’s Lonerism. Currents’ dazzling hooks, especially on “Cause I’m A Man,” build off the success of Lonerism’s breakout hit “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” proving that Parker’s a pop enigma who’s content to keep making hits. –Justin Gallegos