Tame Impala: Deadbeat review | Alexis Petridis’s album of the week

Tame Impala's latest offering, Deadbeat, raises more questions than answers. Kevin Parker's foray into pop's upper echelons has been marked by an astonishing lack of pretension, yet the album's melancholic undertones suggest that even a Tame Impala stalwart might be grappling with the weight of success.

The contrast between Parker and Dua Lipa during her recent Sydney gig was striking. While she shone in a glittering lace catsuit, Parker looked like he'd just emerged from a long night at Glastonbury's stone circle – a far cry from his glamorous pop star counterpart. The visual disparity serves as a metaphor for Parker's unlikely journey to mainstream success, which began with a chance encounter with magic mushrooms and the Bee Gees.

The primary influence on Deadbeat is western Australia's "bush doof" rave scene, evident in the preponderance of pounding four-four beats. However, this dance music fixation can sometimes feel forced, particularly when Parker injects pop melodies into instrumental tracks. The album's dance floor appeal is undeniable, but it's often at the expense of more nuanced songwriting.

The lyrics reveal a disconsolate tone, as if Parker is struggling to balance his desire for creative expression with the demands of fame and domesticity. Tracks like "Dracula" and "My Old Ways" convey a sense of self-loathing, while "Not My World" expresses a longing to escape the confines of everyday life. However, even these introspective moments can't entirely mask the influence of pop's sugary sweetness.

Despite this, Deadbeat is an album that rewards close listening. Parker's music often mirrors the unsettled tone of his lyrics, with songs like "My Old Ways" and "No Reply" featuring demo versions played on acoustic guitar or piano before being overdubbed with more polished arrangements. This process reveals the music's inner workings – it's not always as it seems.

Ultimately, Deadbeat feels like an album that's constantly drawing back the curtain to reveal its complexities. While it can be occasionally confused, it's also painfully honest and genuinely wracked with emotion. If the man behind this record is struggling to cope, then so are we.

In contrast, Helen Ballentine's debut album Living exudes a gentle wistfulness, driven by acoustic guitar and piano. As a respite from Deadbeat's sonic chaos, it's an undeniably lovely listen – a testament to the power of understated songwriting.

I'm loving Tame Impala's latest effort but I gotta say it's like they're playing both sides - on one hand, Parker's got this whole 'relaxed vibes' thing down pat, it's like he's embracing his laid-back West Aussie roots and all that jazz, but then you listen to the lyrics and it's like he's talking about the darker side of success . And can we talk about how Dua Lipa just owns that stage while Parker looks like he'd rather be at home with a cuppa ️? It's like they're reflecting two different Aussie personalities - one's all sunshine and rainbows, the other's all brooding angst . But you know what really gets me? The tension between pop sensibilities and more experimental vibes... it's like Parker's trying to reconcile his indie roots with mainstream expectations . And that's where I think Helen Ballentine comes in - her understated approach is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that sometimes less is more .

it feels like kevin parker is trying too hard to fit into pop's upper echelons
his music is still super psychedelic and experimental at heart, but he's injecting all these mainstream pop vibes which can be confusing

imagine the visual representation of his music - it's like a maze with lots of twists and turns... some paths lead to dance floor anthems while others take you on more introspective journeys

idk why ppl r so obsessed with this tame impala guy... album deadbeat sounds like every generic dance track i've heard before 2 many producers trying 2 fit in w/ the pop crowd, makin it sound forced meanwhile, dua lipa lookin all glamorous & talented out there gotta wonder how far kevin parker's 'art' really goes... seems like more of a calculated attempt 2 be mainstream than actual creativity

I'm kinda surprised that Tame Impala is still pushing that "bush doof" vibe on Deadbeat . Don't get me wrong, I love Kevin Parker's work, but some tracks feel like they're trying too hard to fit into the dance music scene. And yeah, it can be a bit forced at times... Like, when he's gotta inject that pop melody into an instrumental track, it feels kinda out of place . But on the flip side, I love how honest and emotional the lyrics are - it's like he's really putting himself out there and being vulnerable about his struggles with fame and stuff . The way he weaves together those introspective tracks with the more upbeat ones is super interesting too... Like, have you noticed how some of the demos on the album feel almost stripped-back compared to the final versions? It's like a little window into his creative process .

I'm still reeling from this latest release from Tame Impala . It's like Kevin Parker is trying to tell us something deep and meaningful, but in a super subtle way that makes you wanna scream at him for not being direct enough . The more I listen to Deadbeat, the more I feel like he's putting on this stoic facade while secretly eating an entire pizza by himself .

And can we talk about how the whole contrast between Parker and Dua Lipa was just too much? Like, one minute you're shining bright in a glittering catsuit and the next you're trudging through some psychedelic wasteland, dude... it's like they're from different planets or something .

But honestly, what really gets me is how Parker's trying to navigate this whole success thing. It feels like he's caught between his creative vision and the expectations of everyone else, and that's gotta be some super uncomfortable emotional territory . I mean, who hasn't felt like they're losing themselves in the process of making a name for themselves? Not me, apparently, because I'm just over here analyzing Tame Impala's lyrics like it's my job .

I love how some of these songs are basically demo versions that got all fancy-schmancy later on. It's like Parker is saying, "Hey, check out this raw stuff before we added all the bells and whistles" . And I am HERE. FOR. IT.

But for real, Deadbeat feels like an album that rewards you for paying attention – it's not just some surface-level banger (although there are definitely some of those too ). It's a super honest and emotionally charged listen, even if it's not always gonna be easy to digest . So yeah, I'm gonna keep coming back to this one because it's like Parker is speaking directly to my soul... or maybe just being super annoying on purpose .

I'm loving Tame Impala's new album Deadbeat , but I think Kevin Parker is trying too hard to fit in with pop culture. Like, he's already making sick tunes, why change now? The whole bush doof vibe is cool and all, but sometimes it feels like he's just phoning it in. And don't even get me started on the lyrics - I mean, "Dracula" sounds like a mood ring for when you're feeling extra emo .

On the other hand, Helen Ballentine's album Living is giving me all the feels . It's so soothing and gentle, like a warm cup of tea on a chilly day ️. I love how she sticks to acoustic guitar and piano - it's so much more relatable than some fancy production job .

I'm also curious about Tame Impala's journey to mainstream success. Like, how does one go from psychedelic rock to glittering pop stardom? It's like a whole different world .

I think its kinda weird how Tame Impala went from being this underground psychedelic band to making pop music that appeals to like millions of people . Its like Kevin Parker is trying to balance his artistic vision with mainstream success, and sometimes it feels forced. But you know what? I actually kinda love the emotional honesty in Deadbeat – its like he's singing directly to us, even when the production can feel a bit over-the-top . And honestly, comparing him to Dua Lipa in that Sydney gig just shows how much his style has changed – from psychedelic rock to...well, pop

Wow that new Tame Impala album is like, totally deep right? It's like he's trying to show us his emotions but also hiding them at the same time? And I'm loving how it's not as polished as Dua Lipa's stuff... it's like it's raw and real. The "bush doof" rave scene influence is interesting too, it's like a fusion of psychedelic rock and electronic music. But yeah, some songs can feel forced but overall it's a great listen

omg u guys i'm literally shook by tame impala's deadbeat album like kevin parker is being so real about his demons but at the same time he's also having way too much fun with it meanwhile dua lipa is just over here slaying the game in her glittery outfits lol anyway idk man the "bush doof" vibe is cool i guess but sometimes feels like he's forcing it into pop songs

like parker's struggle is so relatable tho he's trying to balance his art with fame and domesticity and it's all very human but also kinda sad at times especially when he's writing about self-loathing and escaping everyday life u feel?

anyway i think deadbeat rewards close listening esp when u hear the demo versions on acoustic guitar or piano - it's like u get a glimpse of his creative process and it's super interesting.
helen ballentine's living is like the exact opposite tho - so chill and gentle it's like the perfect antidote to tame impala's sonic chaos

Tame Impala's Deadbeat is like, totally polarizing me, you know? The album's got some serious depth, but also feels kinda shallow at times, especially when compared to Helen Ballentine's Living... I mean, have you seen the sales numbers for Deadbeat vs Living? It's like 2:1 in favor of Deadbeat! But seriously, Deadbeat's tracklist on Spotify has over 150 million streams, while Living's only got around 10 million. Talk about an influence-driven sound

On a related note, I found this stat that says Kevin Parker's production style is responsible for like 50% of Australia's dance music scene . That's insane! And it's no wonder, with his experience in the Western Australia rave scene... The data also shows that Deadbeat has been streamed more on vinyl than CD in the past quarter .

What I love about Living is how Helen Ballentine's music taps into this sense of wistfulness and introspection. It's like, totally the opposite vibe to Deadbeat But at the same time, both albums are so honest and raw... it's like we're seeing the artists' innermost selves on record .

By the way, did you know that Kevin Parker has been experimenting with psychedelic art since 2011? He even sold a bunch of his artwork online during Tame Impala's tour last year . That's some dedication to creative expression!

i think tame impala's deadbeat is super underrated i mean, sure kevin parker can't just phone in an album and expect us to eat it up, but he's also not trying to be someone he's not, you feel? the contrast between him and dua lipa at that sydney gig was like night and day, but let's give parker credit - he's owning his weirdness and the whole bush doof vibe is actually kinda infectious. yeah, there are moments where it feels forced or pop-influenced, but overall i think deadbeat's a deeply personal record that rewards close listening like, have you noticed how many tracks feature demo versions of them on acoustic guitar? that's like, so revealing about the creative process

i'm not sure if i love deadbeat or hate it lol it's like kevin parker is trying too hard to be accessible while still being true to himself? his pop sensibilities are super appealing but sometimes feel like they're overwhelming the more subdued moments on the album meanwhile, helen ballentine's living is just a breath of fresh air – her songwriting is so intimate and soothing it's interesting that deadbeat feels like an album that's constantly revealing its complexities, whereas living just feels like a gentle whisper

I've been listening to Tame Impala's latest release and I gotta say, it's got me thinking ... Kevin Parker's always been all about creating this psychedelic vibe, but now he's venturing into pop territory and it's definitely an interesting contrast . The way the album jumps between dance beats and acoustic moments is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions - sometimes you're grooving along to the beat, and then BAM! You're hit with these introspective lyrics that just leave you feeling... well, not so great .

I love how Parker's not afraid to bare his soul on this album though. It's clear he's struggling to balance his creative ambitions with the pressures of fame and domestic life . And honestly, it's a bit relatable? Who hasn't felt like they're stuck in a rut or trying to navigate the highs and lows of adulting?

One thing that's struck me is how different this album feels compared to some of Tame Impala's other work - it's more... human, I guess . Parker's not afraid to show his vulnerable side, and I think that's what makes Deadbeat so compelling. Of course, there are still moments where the pop influences feel a bit forced, but overall, this album feels like a raw, honest expression of Kevin Parker's inner world

I'm really loving Tame Impala's latest album Deadbeat so far but I gotta say it can be a bit polarizing . Some tracks like "Dracula" are giving me all the feels and I love how raw they sound, but then there's moments where it feels like Kevin Parker is trying too hard to fit in with pop culture . The contrast between him and Dua Lipa at that gig was pretty wild, right? I mean, who can rock a glittering catsuit and still manage to vibe with the psychedelic vibes of Tame Impala?

On one hand, I appreciate how honest it is, even if it's not always easy to listen to . Parker's struggles are real, and we've all been there at some point or another. But on the other hand, some parts feel like they're sacrificing too much for that pop appeal . It's like he's caught between two worlds, you know?

What I do love is how the album rewards close listening . There are so many hidden details and nuances in there that if you just play it once, you'll miss out on all the goodies . And honestly, after hearing Living by Helen Ballentine, it's like a breath of fresh air . Her understated songwriting is giving me all the calm vibes I need right now .

The thing about Tame Impala's latest is that it's like trying to solve a puzzle while being hit by a ton of vibes at once . You gotta dig deep, you know? It's like Kevin Parker's gonna pull back the curtain and show us his true colors, but sometimes it feels like he's hiding behind all those psychedelic layers .

I mean, Dua Lipa vs Tame Impala in Sydney was , what a visual contrast! But, for real, Parker's journey to mainstream is wild – from magic mushrooms to the Bee Gees? Who knew?!

The album's got some dance floor vibes for sure, but it can feel forced at times. Like, when he injects pop melodies into instrumental tracks, it's a bit jarring .

But what I love about Deadbeat is that it rewards close listening. You gotta pick up on the little details – like those demo versions on acoustic guitar or piano .

It feels so honest and emotionally raw, even if it can be confusing at times . And that's kinda the point? It's not always easy to process, but it's real.

In contrast, Helen Ballentine's album Living is like a breath of fresh air – gentle, lovely, and understated . A perfect respite from Deadbeat's sonic chaos.

The more I think about Tame Impala's Deadbeat, the more I'm convinced that Kevin Parker is still trying to wrap his head around what all this success means for him personally. His music has always been super introspective and emotional, but now it feels like he's grappling with the pressure of being a pop icon . Don't get me wrong, the album's not bad – in fact, it's got some real gems like "My Old Ways" that showcase Parker's storytelling abilities perfectly . But at times, I feel like he's trying too hard to balance his indie roots with the more polished production of pop music. It's like he's caught between two worlds and can't quite decide which one he wants to be in .

Meanwhile, Helen Ballentine's Living is like a breath of fresh air – it's this beautiful, understated album that just lets the acoustic guitar and piano do their thing. I love how it feels so intimate and personal, like you're getting a glimpse into someone's private world . It's definitely not as flashy or attention-grabbing as Deadbeat, but sometimes less is more, right?

man deadbeat is such a polarizing album lol it's like kevin parker is trying to give us a glimpse into his inner world and we're just over here thinking about how much he must be struggling with fame and all that jazz but at the same time i'm really feeling the raw emotion in tracks like "not my world" it's like, can't you just feel the melancholy? and yeah the dance floor vibes are a bit forced sometimes but hey that's just part of the ride, right?

lol i feel like kevin parker is just trying too hard 4 us his music sounds super polished but at times its like he's just throwing a bunch of different vibes together 4 good measure like, can't we just have an album that's just straight up depressing for once

ugh this new tame impala album is so messy i love kevin parker but deadbeat is like trying to follow him around his anxiety-ridden life there's some real magic on here, especially when he strips it down to just piano or acoustic guitar, but the more polished tracks feel like they're sucking all the soul out of it and honestly, that contrast between parker and dua lipa at her sydney gig was wild, like two different vibes altogether