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. 

   

Elegant Design

I'm currently sporting shorter locks thanks to a haircut. Even though I was reluctant (to the point of tears) it was much needed so I could have some body and dimension back into my hair and it could hold the wave better. I had completely forgotten I had ordered this top and then one day it just showed up in the mail and I could not have been happier. It's always a nice surprise to receive something in the mail (that's not bills to pay) especially when it's something you had completely forgotten about.  

As soon as I pulled this top out of its packing I was instantly in love! It's a lightweight chiffon material cut in a babydoll style with this really cool and intricate paisley design all over. It's oversized and effortless and I feel like I can pair this with any sort of bottoms. It's super flowy and makes me want to just get up and dance and twirl around. I'm a lover of flares anywhere I can get them and the sleeves on this are just perfect because they're super billowy and have a bell-like quality to them. I want to wear this top everyday! I paired it with some white denim shorts, a little change from the usual blue. I think theres something so fresh and cool about white denim, something unexpected, and not to mention they practically scream s-u-m-m-e-r. 

I feel like I'm all about the hats lately. I got this concho boater recently and I've already worn it twice (now a third)! The crystals in the middle of the conchos are so cool because they change colour in accordance to the light! I feel like this hat adds a little southwestern vibe to any outfit too, something I'm all about! To keep with the crystal theme I piled on two of my favourite crystal necklaces as well as my Egyptian Ankh one.  

I'm currently wishing I was attending Splendour in the Grass this year. It seems as if every year the lineup is great, with this years including some of my all time fav's: Tame Impala, POND and The Babe Rainbow. And the little market booths that they set up with Australian labels and designers seem so cool, even including Spell and the Gypsy Collective. I know one day I'll be able to make the trek onto the other side of the world and experience Splendour in all it's blissful splendour. But for now I'll live vicariously through the exceeding amount of Australian clothing brands, bloggers, and bands I follow on Instagram and pretend I'm there! 

Have a great weekend everyone and soak up that summer sun!

Month of May

This month has been a whirlwind. I've done a lot, so let's play catch up. 

I finished all my exams and passed with flying colours. So now I'm making my way onto my last and final year of university and it's bittersweet. On the one hand I'm happy to be ending my stay there and the prospect of moving on is exciting but at the same time I don't know anything else except being a student. Being a student is the longest job I've ever held and although it's exciting to be moving on it's also scary as hell. I don't have a clear cut answer as to what I'd like to do once I graduate so the thought of being thrust into a realm of the unknown is less than ideal. 

On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of seeing The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger or GOASTT this month. Aside from having a famous father I feel like Sean Lennon definitely has much to offer on his own. I thoroughly enjoyed his and Charlotte Kemp Muhl's, Midnight Sun, when it released late last year. Their lyrics evoke strong imagery and the harmony of their voices meld together smooth as silk, making it a key component of their sound. They pay definite homage to ghosts of psychedelia past but nonetheless it's a definite "must listen" for the clear moments of innovation that they do bring. I was pleased to see their vibe on the record translated as well on stage in a live setting. Their performance was flawless despite the cramped crowd in a venue that is the size of my bedroom, there's nothing quite like it.

(Horrendous quality but bear with me)

Fat White Family and Gateway Drug opened up the set for that night with a few other bands. They were crazy and sweaty but killed it nonetheless. 

Before catching the Tame Impala show my friends and I decided to hit up the ever so popular Nando's. Now it was my first time going there but I'd heard nothing but great things so I was excited, to say the least. I ordered half a chicken (hungry vibez) with peri peri fries and macho peas. It gets a 5 / 5 in my books. The chicken was seasoned so well and not dry at all (my worst nightmare) and the side of spicy mayo I got to dip my fries in was my fav. And of course, some sangria. 

This past week I finally saw Tame Impala. They've been one of my favourite bands since they dropped Innerspeaker back in 2010 and I knew I had to at least see them once (or more) in my lifetime. Their music embodies everything I love. Every time I listen to them it's like a swirl of sounds and I love every second of it. Kevin is a genius in my books and can do no wrong. Although their new stuff has taken on a new direction, more electronic based, I'm still digging it. And in the process they haven't lost their signature sound and style in the mix and that's rare for a band. I've been to a lot of shows in my lifetime and I think Tame Impala put on the best concert I've ever seen. They performed every song flawlessly and opened with one of their new singles, Let It Happen.   

They played songs from Innerspeaker and Lonerism to satisfy even the older fans and also played their recently released from Currents, Eventually. They also played Be Above It but extended the instrumental piece, putting everyone in the crowd in an almost trance-like state. Everything about that night was perfect. You could tell everyone at the venue was having a good time, getting lost in the music and just really feeling. I love when things like that can happen. And I think that's why I enjoy concerts so much. Not only do you get to see your favourite musicians on stage, making the songs from the record come to life but you also get to revel in the music with people who enjoy it equally as much as you and that sort of collective love and appreciation is worth it all.  

Their songs were as pleasant on the ears as on the eyes with the magnificent background effects and light show the band uses. From its synchronicity with the music and just all the colours go perfectly with their songs. I'm so happy I was able to go and finally see them. It was perfect! 

During the long weekend I decided to embark upon a little DIY project. I'd always been in love with the dreamcatchers that one of my favourite bloggers, hummusbird created and then I happened to stumble upon a Free People blog post showcasing a step-by-step guide on how to create one of these beauties. I loved that this project was so natural and organic and could be made out of found materials. All you needed was sticks, fishermen's net or mesh, hemp, feathers and any other decorative pieces you like, such as crystals or beads. I was a little nervous, thinking I couldn't accomplish it but I stuck to it and slowly by slowly I noticed it really taking shape. I'm proud that I was able to create this and I think it's a lovely addition to my room. 

Now some of my favourite pics from this month. Be sure to follow my Instagram. I'm addicted and post super frequently!  

Hope everyone's month of May was fabulous! 

    

Wishing I Was At Coachella...

FOMO (fear of missing out) is hitting HARD. As weekend one of Coachella comes to a close the feelings are real. Another year passed, another year I didn't attend. Seeing everyone I follows Instagram pics made it look amazing, as I'm sure it was. I watched my fav's from the comfort of my bed via the live stream throughout the weekend. Tame Impala kicked off my Friday night. They were amazing as always and started off the set with my favourite song of theirs off Innerspeaker and even included the two new singles off their much anticipated third LP, Currents. Almost as good as their music was their light show. It elevated the entire performance and put you into a psychedelic bubble of bright lights and cool synths and guitars. Oh and not to mention Kevin was rocking his bearded Jesus look with signature tie-dye tee *swoons*. On Saturday, Jack White was one of the last acts of the night and his set brought on nostalgic vibes to last summer when I had the pleasure of seeing him. I grew up on The White Stripes, learning their songs on guitar and praying I could be 0.5% as cool. Jack can shred like no other and his riffs are to die for, perfect festival music. I love the way he eases into every song and puts his own spin on them when performed live, he even snuck a Raconteurs song on there. No performance is ever the same. You have to see him live at least once in your life. To end off the weekend Mac Demarco performed. I love how positive, silly and happy he always is on stage and it really radiates out onto the crowd. He's such a presence, I love his entire being. He played a lot of stuff from 2 and ended the set in typical Mac fashion, a crowd surf! After that ramble... Onto the outfit!    

To somewhat put my Coachella blues at ease I put together a Coachella inspired outfit, for a pre-spring day. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and gave me smiles all around. I watered my plants, opened the shutters wide, letting the sunlight flood in, put on a record or two and spent a majority of the afternoon just relaxing and getting ready to head on over to PF Changs for dinner. I recently purchased this crochet fringe kimono from Garage and I'm in absolute love!! Everything about it is so "me". This is probably one item I'd always wanted to have in my dream wardrobe and now I do! 

I love myself some good accessories and with this outfit it was no exception. I got my favourite pair of sunnies from Urban Outfitters that I purchased on a whim one night when seeing The National. One of the best "on the whim" purchases of my life, by the way, they've served me so well. I chucked on my actual favourite necklace of all time. It's gold and has coins that jingle-jangle when I walk and I feel like epitome of a janglin' soul (guess that Edward Sharpe lyric?) when I wear it and walk around. It makes everything so much more fun and festive sounding.  

I paired it with the leather leggings you've seen a million times but are now acceptable to wear without feeling your entire leg go numb from the cold and my booties from Urban Outfitters. 

Kimono   /   Top   /   Leather Leggings   /   Necklace    /   Booties