Kevin Parker’s fifth Tame Impala album is a swing and a miss. ‘Deadbeat’ is one of the more versatile works in the psych-pop star’s catalogue, with shifting genre tropes throughout its tracks, repeatedly offering something different with big riffs and heavy drums. There are a few excellent songs here, but they’re dragged down by many more that amount to lacklustre drum machines and lyrics that sound tired.
My Old Ways is a positive start, with a patient, stripped-back instrumental that transforms into a packed jam led by Parker’s soft, high-pitched vocals. As far as Tame Impala’s established sound goes, it does what it says on the tin. Equally, its lyrics suggest Parker’s enormous fame hasn’t changed his outlook on life: “Wish I had someone else to blame, well / I tell myself I’m only human.”
Dracula is also a very welcome addition. It’s funky, fresh, and the lyrics are iconic. There’s a meaty beat with an eerie vibe, and a sample of spooky laughter to add to the track’s narrative. “I’m on the verge of caving in / I run back through the dark / Now I'm Mr. Charisma / fuckin’ Pablo Escobar,” Parker sings.
No Reply, though, offers a completely different vibe. Blandly meandering with mumbling vocals, it’s just a big ‘why?’ Loser is interesting, with a certain grooviness, but it doesn’t measure up to peaks found on previous albums. Oblivion, too, is dull.
Not My World offers various different beats but none that quite fit together as they should — it feels like an experiment that hasn’t paid off. Ethereal Connection is similar if more effective — when drops its got great energy, but it still isn’t the Tame Impala we know and love.
Tame Impala Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu May 07 2026 - LONDON O2 Arena
Fri May 08 2026 - MANCHESTER Co-op Live
Sat May 09 2026 - BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena
Mon May 11 2026 - GLASGOW OVO Hydro
Wed May 13 2026 - DUBLIN 3Arena
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