Tame Impala Announces New Album

by The Cowl Editor on November 7, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


Recently Released Singles Promise Psychedelic Dance Party

by: Daniel O’Neill ’21 A&E Staff

It Might Be Time Tame Impala Cover
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

On Oct. 25, Tame Impala announced their fourth studio album on their website and social media. Entitled The Slow Rush, it is their first album since their seminal work Currents was released back in 2015. 

Tame Impala fans have reason to rejoice since the bands next project finally has been announced. Over the past months, the band has released three separate singles. The first, “Patience,” featured a more upbeat style in comparison with the recordings on Currents. “Patience” was released on March 22 and was followed by “Borderline” on April 12. Since last spring, the band has been quiet in terms of singles and LP announcements. This was the case up until Oct. 28, when their latest single “It Might Be Time” was released. 

Patience Tame Impala Cover
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

This newest single is evidence of front-man Kevin Parker’s ever-evolving musical style. In its entirety, the song is extremely random and out of sorts, but that may be why it has already been successful. The form of the song is reminiscent of the 1980s dance genre yet also keeps its true Tame Impala feeling at the same time. 

Once “It Might Be Time” was released, Parker took to Instagram and explained the future of the band. They are planning tour dates for 2020 all over the world, and gave a release date for their new album. The album is due to release on Feb. 14. 

According to Pitchfork, Parker has been splitting his recording time between Los Angeles and his hometown in Fremantle, Australia. He reportedly recorded and produced the entire 12-track album all on his own. This is a great sign for fans, since no outside influence on the final product of the album will be present, essentially showcasing Parker’s true vision of Tame Impala. 

Borderline Tame Impala Cover
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

Typical production of Tame Impala’s songs includes an over-saturated or distorted rhythm section. This quality is present in two of the last three singles that the band has released. “Patience” features a clearly effected keyboard line for the entirety of the song, and “It Might Be Time” switches between a calm beat and an aggressively distorted drum line. “Borderline” has a more driving and catchy beat than the other two singles. If these last three singles are any evidence of what is to come in The Slow Rush, then Tame Impala fans may rejoice. The band may keep its same sound while also experimenting into unknown musical territory. 

Some of the band’s tour dates have been announced, with Clairo opening at every show and MGMT joining at the concert in Mexico City. In March, the band will play in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Mexico City. The band will also headline the Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival in Monterrey, Mexico on March 20. The US shows go on sale on Nov.9 and can be found on StubHub.