Album Review: Currents by Tame Impala

It shouldn't be news that Tame Impala is one of my favourite bands, thus it's expected that I was eagerly anticipating the release of Currents. Throughout the last couple of months leading up to the albums release Kevin Parker's been dropping some singles here and there, starting off with Let It Happen followed by 'Cause I'm A Man, Disciples and then Eventually. Each have been different in their own rites and have showcased the general direction in which Kevin was headed off in with this new album. I knew that we weren't going to get another Lonerism and definitely not another Innerspeaker and I was okay with that. As the album title suggests, Parker's like a current, always flowing and always changing and as a fan you have to appreciate that. He isn't going to compromise his art for the sake of the masses, he's going to do his own thing and I love him for it. 

Let It Happen - This was the first single to drop from the album. It's an almost eight minute masterpiece with a multitude of different parts and layers and you can clearly see Kevin's disco influence slipping in and out of this track. Just like in Apocalypse Dreams (the first single to drop off Lonerism) Parker is trying to cope with the change within himself, his life and his music and he does this by bringing his mom into the mix. On Apocalypse Dreams, Parker sings, "Everything is changing, I guess I should warn my mom" but this time he says, "And if I never come back, tell my mother I'm sorry". Through the lyrics Kevin's already made it apparent that he's ready to take on this change and let it happen. Midway through the track listeners feel as if it's experiencing a repeated skip that Parker's got on loop till the rising synths come in, which is probably my favourite part in the entire song. At the end robot style vocals (which they've included within their live set as well) come in, signalling the track's close. Overall this is a danceable track, probably one of the most danceable on the record because the beat's just so damn good.   

Let It Happen - Tame Impala

Nangs -  This track feels like a total trip and gives the illusion that you're floating down a current. If you close your eyes and listen closely you can almost feel yourself being transported into somewhere within the album artwork. It's a mostly instrumental track, minus Parker's nearly inaudible, periodic, repeating of the same phrase, "But is there something more than that?" throughout its 1:48 expanse. This track was short but sweet and left me wanting more! 

The Moment - More on the upbeat side of things this song starts off strong before Parker's falsetto takes over with his echo driven vocals morphing into each other, panning throughout the track. He sings about a particular event or moment in his life nearing closer and for to have to overcome it once the time comes, staying within the albums themes. Listen to this track with headphones, it's a game changer. 

Photo by Matt Sav. 

Yes I'm Changing - This is one of the albums first slow jams. It's a total self-reflexive piece where Parker adds poetic introspective lyricism to the atmospheric background sounds. As the tracks title suggests, he feels as if he's changing and that a particular relationship has run its course (with fellow psychedelic artist and ex-girlfriend, Melody Prochet of Melody's Echo Chamber) and that he's okay with it because to him that is what life is all about, again adhering to the main theme of this album. Parker is no longer rejecting the change he feels within himself. He is fully embracing it. My favourite line of the song is when Parker harps: "They say people never change but that's bull shit, they do", because they do. 

Eventually - I've spoken about this song on here before. It's one of my favourites out of the singles that dropped pre-album release. It's one of the few songs on this record that sees Tame Impala draw back to its roots, via the inclusion of a prominent guitar. Lamenting on a past relationship, again, Parker states that the ending of it was for the better and that things will get better for the other party, eventually.  

Eventually - Tame Impala 

Gossip - Another short interlude track, hidden between the songs. At just 55 seconds this song can make you dizzy. It makes me feel as if you've come off a spinny ride at the amusement park. 

The Less I Know The Better - The opening riff to this song is awesome and totally groovy. This whole track, once the backing instrumentation comes in and beat pulls through makes you want to get up and dance. I can see this being a hit with crowds when the band embarks on tour again. You can hear the same 70's disco influence that was present on tracks like, Let It Happen, creep up again. 

Past Life - This is probably my least favourite song on the record. I can't take Kevin's deepened voice, talking about going to the dry cleaners and seeing the figure of a past lover from the rearview mirror seriously. Maybe it's just because the voice reminds me too much of Darth Vader...  

Disciples - Again, this track coming in at 1:48, just like Nangs, is short but it's probably one of my favourite Tame Impala tracks ever! There's something so fun and carefree about this song. It has a very pop-y element to it and it's just a lot of fun, really. It sounds totally lo-fi too, a quality I rather enjoy, and reminds me of something that would be blasting out of a vintage style radio in the 70's from a convertible.   

Disciples - Tame Impala

'Cause I'm A Man - Another one of the albums slow jams, it seems as if Parker has crafted the ultimate make-out song. This song is sexy and sultry at its finest and we get to hear his Lennon-esque vocals throughout. With listening to the songs lyrics it seems as if it's some sort of apology, him blaming his actions on being a man and not thinking before he does as a result. Again, just like, Yes I'm Changing, this is another one of the albums rather self-reflexive pieces. 

'Cause I'm A Man - Tame Impala

Reality In Motion - This is my favourite song on the album! It's totally groovy and has a heavy psychedelic flair. It's reminiscent of a track that could've easily fit into Lonerism, with a very Music To Walk Home To vibe.  It has a fun and easy going feel to it and it's one of the more danceable tracks to be featured. 

Love Paranoia - Parker on this track is literally paranoid about the love and relationship he is in, lamenting about not being as honest as he should've been because of personal walls and barriers, about specific actions making him feel like dying and feeling insecure in himself. The carefree attitude that was found on tracks like, Disciples and Reality in Motion is gone, moving toward darker imagery, subject matter and lyricism. One of the most special moments on the album for me is when Parker says, "Do you remember the time we were by the ocean?" and the way in which the guitar sounds in that moment makes me feel as if I'm by the actual ocean shore. Parker is able to transport the listener to the setting in which he is talking about through the sounds of his music, and I think that's something really special. 

New Person, Same Old Mistakes - On the more serious side of things once again, the track opens with a brooding feeling, one filled with attitude, with the accentuated bass beat. Kevin closes off the album on a rather pessimistic note. He feels like a brand new person but doesn't feel as if much has changed at the same time, putting him at a crossroad of sorts, and bringing the earlier optimism and lighter, fleeting feelings to a halt.  

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Overall Currents saw Kevin branch out. He showed that he was more than just a dude who was trying to blow the dust off the ole vinyls and start a 60's / 70's revivalist project. On this album he shows his growth as an artist. He's come a long way from his beginnings, like the songs on the Antares, Mira, Sun EP. With each album I'd say Kevin has been able to keep himself current, fresh and new without compromising his 60's psychedelic roots. Although this album was more synth and drum machine based and didn't see any shreddy guitar solos or excessive jams, it had those definite groovy moments and moments of pure musical bliss. Kevin's lyricism has also become way more personal, ditching the imagery found on Innerspeaker in favour of more introspective and questioning ones. He paints a picture with his lyrics and does it in a rather honest and poetic way in a similar fashion to folk icons of the 60's. I've had this album on repeat since it's been released! And I know I'll be listening to it for months to come. 

Favourite Tracks: Nangs, Disciples, Reality In Motion, Love Paranoia, 'Cause I'm A Man, Yes I'm Changing, Eventually, The Less I Know The Better. 

   

Playlist: Vintage Rewind

A little playlist I put up on my 8tracks. The perfect playlist to indulge and revel in bands who sound like they're from way back when on this midweek holiday. It includes tracks from: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Mr. Elevator & the Brain Hotel. 

Give it a listen and happy Canada day to my fellow Canadian peeps! 

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The Babe Rainbow

I've been really on my psychedelic kick as of late, discovering a bunch of new bands and listening to some old favourites. I came across this band the only way I know how, through the Youtube recommendations sidebar. The name intrigued me and kinda made me laugh, The Babe Rainbow. What a funny name for a band, so I gave it a listen and was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't find much on the band except what their "About" page on Facebook said but one thing I wasn't surprised about was that they hailed from Byron Bay. I always find myself being led back to that place or just Australia in general. I feel like it's a microcosm of awesome and creativity and everything that's coming from there is pure genius. Must be something in the water? 

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Australia's totally on the frontier of the resurgence of the psychedelic movement with bands like Tame Impala and POND and their fashion scene is awesomely creative with a bunch of brands that I've mentioned before on here. The band describes their sound as "punk mushroom". But their music is a dead ringer for something created in the 60's, as is their image, with their vintage lo-fi sound and Eastern Asian influence with the inclusion of the sitar on some of their songs. Now they don't have a full length album, only a couple songs under their belt, from what I could gather, but their full length LP is rumoured to be dropping on July 10th.  

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The first song of theirs I heard was "Secret Enchanted Broccoli Forest". The sweet sitar sound at the beginning takes you on a spiritual adventure as soon as the guitar and drums come in. And the video accompaniment is exactly what you'd expect from a song with that title. Makes me feel like I'm part of some gnarly hippie commune and just frolicking in a field or just sitting in the grass, the earth beneath my toes. 

"Evolution 1964" has more of a surf rock vibe with a groovy groove drenched in reverb. The video solidifies their band name, a total babe rainbow! 

I'm totally in love with this band, I can't stop listening to all their songs and am eagerly anticipating their debut LP! I feel like it'll easily be one of my fav's. You can check out Kool Breeze, Arrow and Blue Spirit or simply, The Babe Rainbow, on their Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and Youtube to be a part of the evolution 1964. 

Field Trip Music & Arts Festival

I attended Field Trip Music & Arts Festival on the weekend located in the heart of Toronto. This year's lineup consisted of: Father John Misty, Temples, Alabama Shakes, Marina and the Diamonds and My Morning Jacket. 

As I made my way through the festival grounds I realized I was actually starving! Poutine (if you aren't sure what this is you're likely not the only one as it's a total Canadian dish, that's basically fries in gravy with melted cheese curds...need I say more?) was my weapon of choice; but instead of going for normal ole poutine I went for a Greek-style poutine. Now it was a hard decision on what to choose to eat as there were a multitude of food trucks, with tons of things on the menus, many of which were calling my name, but I'm so glad I chose to get what I did. Now if you're wondering how poutine can be Greek-ified you just add some feta and tzatziki of course! The mix of flavours from the saltiness of the feta and the mildness of the tzatziki in combination with the Canadian style gravy was divine. Jimmy the Greek you definitely know your stuff! Whenever I need my fill of poutine with an added kick I know where to head. 

You know it's a festival when you just want to sit crosslegged in the grass and dig in. 

What really drew me into even attending the festival in the first place was that two of my favourite bands / artists were playing, Temples and Father John Misty. As mentioned previously on this blog post here, Temples is a psychedelic rock group from the U.K. Their sound is a mix of 60's / 70's just like their style. Now this was my third time seeing them in the last year (dedicated fan girl status much?) and I was blown away yet again! Although a large crowd didn't gather around their stage they played a killer show! They played the ever so popular Colours To Life, Keep in the Dark and Shelter Song. And James' renowned black fringe jacket made its appearance yet again. But the greatest thing about the entire set was that they debuted a new song, called Henry's Cake! (Still not sure if that's the actual title). I absorbed every last bit of it in and was ecstatic beyond belief. They're currently working on their follow-up record and I'm excited to see what's in the works and can hopefully see them again when they prepare to embark on another East Coast tour. 

After Temples' set I swung on over to the next stage to catch the remainder of Father John Misty. Father John Misty is the alias Josh Tillman, ex-Fleet Foxes drummer, *wipes tear*, goes under. He's crazy and eccentric and his on-stage antics make him a fun artist to watch.   With the release of his newest record, I Love You, Honeybear, I've seen him become bigger than ever. He's headlined a lot of festivals this year and done a lot of touring and the album is awesome to boot. If you're into 60's sounding folk with strong musical accompaniment  and songs written from the deepest crevices of your little heart you'd probably dig his sound. He played a mix of songs ranging from his first album, Fear Fun, to his most recent release, pleasing new and returning fans alike. He's just an awesome act to see all around. Definitely check him out if he's ever in town! 

A festival is never complete without an outfit on fleek! I put my best festival outfit foot forward and ended up wearing this black romper that has awesome crochet detailing and bell sleeves, channeling my inner Woodstock (the usual). Equipped with a rust coloured floppy hat and oversized sunnies I felt like a total 60's babe. I kept the accessories to a minimum, with just a single gold moon necklace and some rings. My trusty black ankle booties were a must because the weather looked gloomy and the potential for a downfall was high (and luckily I did because it ended up raining just a bit). I was humbled and honoured when a photographer asked to snap a pic of my outfit and when multiple people came up to me to tell me they liked it! Totally made my day even better! So thank you to all those kind people. Field Trip was absolutely fabulous and I'm so glad to have gone! And now till next year and another killer line-up!     

Album Review: Multi-Love by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

At the end of the month, New Zealand (or now Portland)'s, Unknown Mortal Orchestra released their much anticipated Multi-Love. I've been a fan of UMO for quite some time, their fuzzy lo-fi guitar sound and psychedelically weird approach to music (I mean that in the best way possible) is what drew me in. The band first released the title track, Multi-Love, with a video accompaniment. The strange symbolism ranging from the Egyptian Eye of Ra, series of triangles and the technicoloured kaleidoscope screen effects had me feeling like I was the subject of some psychedelic room escape game.  

After hearing the track I was excited for what the rest of the album had in store. Once the chorus came in is when I felt like things got groovy. Definitely a dance-able one and a crowd favourite when I saw him live the other night. I like the accession and descension in the song, creating layers and sections within, giving it some added dimension. And Ruban Nielson's falsetto throughout carrying the entire song nicely.  

Title track aside, the groovy element of the album carries into the first couple of songs. They literally make you want to get up and dance. Songs like, Can't Keep Checking My Phone and Like Acid Rain all exude this quality. However, if I had to describe this album in one word it would be, layered. I feel as if everything has been layered on top of each other. Synths on synths, on effects on effects to create this wonderful explosion and vision of sound. 

Despite all this Nielson hasn't lost his psychedelic 60's touch. Fuzzy guitars, vocals drenched in ultimate haze and elevated synths round out this album. The spooky extraterrestrial keyboards on Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty make you feel like you're out of this world and you've stepped onto the mothership of an intergalactic dimension, exploring every aspect in wonder and awe with the muffled and distorted vocals playing on a loud speaker overhead. The song takes a turn with the two distinct solos, adding to the tracks already multitude of layers. 

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The World Is Crowded slows things on the album down. This is the kind of song you feel radiate through your body and soul. It has a sexy and sultry quality to it, especially near the end as the music fades signalling the songs end. 

Stage or Screen sounds like a toned down, mellow version of a song to come out of something from Ty Segall's, Fuzz, but that is until the song breaks into a pendulum of atmospheric sound. The feeling of being transplanted on another planet returns but this time I'm falling, tumbling, cascading through space with the echoing keyboard sounds. 

To close off the album Nielson's included a lengthy jam that runs just above seven minutes called Puzzles. The song gets jammy and groovy with his focus on power chords and distortion, bringing him back, yet again, to his roots.  

Personally I loved this album. It was intuitive, introspective and beautifully crafted and brought conventional psychedelic themes to a new and modern place. A lot of hard work definitely went into production wise, as it was an independent affair. Nielson's political thoughts and themes also take precedence throughout this album and should not be ignored. He has a lot to say. If they ever happen to be in town, definitely drop by to catch their set. The songs, although amazing on the albums, transform into something else when they are played within a live setting. This is where the word "jam" comes in, extending songs and sounds into minutes upon minutes of musical greatness, the bands incredible musicianship a definite headlining feature of their live shows. 

Fav Tracks: Multi-Love, Can't Keeping Checking My Phone, Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty and Puzzles. 

Playlist: 60's / 70's Revival

You don't have to hop into a time machine to feel the spirit of the 60's and 70's in your bones. Hear a 60's / 70's revival in this playlist of modern songs by artists who pay homage to this era. Includes songs from: Tame Impala, Temples, Foxygen and Father John Misty. 

Happy listening! 

Excuse Me, While I Kiss The Sky

I love velvet. It's soft and it reminds me of my grandmother's old couch from the 60's. I was scouring the Black Friday sale that Urban Outfitters has every year and I stumbled upon this gem. Originally $170 I got this Chaser brand top for $15, now that's a deal if I ever did see one! I feel uber 60's, just like the couch, when I wear this top. The fading effect from one side of the shirt to the other is amazing and makes me feel like I'm wearing two different shirts. To top off the 60's vibes I piled on the chunky rings. One on almost every finger.  

I paired this top with my red suede booties from Topshop. I love them so much but they don't get much wear this time of year due to horrid salt that eats away at the soles of your boots and is essentially, suede's arch nemesis. 

The cut-outs in the back and on the shoulder act as a nice little unexpected surprise. Even I didn't initially expect to see it till I pulled the shirt off the rack! 

To go off of the whole 60's velvet vibe, I couldn't help thinking of Jimi Hendrix. The man could dress! He loved playing up different textures and patterns. He is the epitome of the psychedelic 60's. 

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