Deadbeat – Tame Impala Album Review

Tame Impala

Album Review: Deadbeat

Lily Ceretto

Having been five years since Tame Impala’s last album, his newest album, Deadbeat, is the newest release upon his discography. The album has notes of what is claimed as inspiration from “Turkish psychedelic music” as heard in the song “Loser.” Along with new sounds from Tame Impala, there were slower, melancholic sounds found including the lead-off track, “My Old Ways.” But this album doesn’t lose track of the iconic techno beats nor in Tame Impala’s familiar voice in this new drop. The lyrics tell stories acknowledging that one is not what they make themselves out to be, that one had messed up, and simply owning up to mistakes made.

From my perspective, this album had much anticipation. It met my expectations and brought together his distinct vocals with unique electronic synths. There was a slight sense of imbalance from his past work; coming from feelings of euphoria into this current state of self-doubt, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album as I have with his past works. Kevin Parker, also known as Tame Impala, has spoken out about his discography and how he wants his music to keep changing and evolving. He states in an interview with Zane Lowe that if he kept making the same music and sounds, that would be a distinction that he was just in the business for the money and just to sell albums. He shares that he is not in the business to market certain demographics or to make songs simply to be played on the radio; he wants to be proud of his work and make it for himself and others to enjoy.

It is not uncommon for Tame Impala to reach a nearly eight-minute mark within his songs, such as “Let it Happen,” on respectfully, one of his biggest albums, Currents. Fans were lucky to catch one upon this new release titled “Ethereal Connection.” This song amongst this album is major when it comes to synth and techno combining.

Deadbeat is a pivot for Tame Impala, but in a direction I am not surprised in. In my humble opinion, I believe that the world is catching onto Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and DJs today are creating new sounds. I find this album incredibly intriguing and fast paced for house and techno listeners, like me. I think this changes the game for Tame Impala and artist like him, and I challenge many artists to follow his path in creating music that the artist truly loves and respects enough to put out for their fans.

 

Studio Brussel. (2025, October 20). Tame Impala on His New Album ‘Deadbeat’ | Studio Brussel Interview. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwn9jM1NhvY

Apple Music (2025, October 15). Tame Impala: The Deadbeat Interview | Zane Lowe Interview. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXwcPtVrx7g