Currents - Tame Impala [2015]

Electronic/Alternative/Psychedelic Rock

Currents is the third album by Australian band Tame Impala, coming 3 years after their album Lonerism in 2012. Although using the word their is a bit of a misnomer, as the band consists of only one member, Kevin Parker, who performs, records and produces all of the music on the album.

The album takes influences from the electronic, pop and alternative genres, making heavy use of synthesizers, catchy bass lines and distant, distorted vocals.

Standout Tracks

The Less I Know the Better

The Less I Know the Better is probably one of Tame Impala's best known songs, with it's infectious bass/guitar melody. Listening to this song can give you a odd sensation, perhaps making you reminiscence on your childhood, or giving you a odd sense that you've listened to it before.

The song deals with themes of unrequited love, where Tame Impala sings

"Oh my love, can't you see yourself by my side?
I don't suppose you could convince your lover to change his mind",

Conjuring up feelings of times we have experienced heartbreak and one-sided relationships.

New Person, Same Old Mistakes

New Person, Same Old Mistakes is somewhat similar to The Less I Know the Better with a satisfying bass line and a incredible breakdown near the middle of the song that will make you want to hear the song on repeat. This song also has some elements that are reminiscent of psychedelic rock, or as one YouTube commenter mentions "I feel like this song resembles an acid trip without taking acid" (Bryce Dowling).

In line with wider album themes around changing/growing up, this song explores the idea of growing as a person but still making the same mistakes, especially in the context of a romantic relationship.

"Feel like a brand new person
(But you make the same old mistakes)
I don't care I'm in love
(Stop before it's too late)".

Sometimes when love comes into the picture we can forget what we've previously learned, because, well, you are in love! It's a wonderful experience, but many times we can overlook red flags in our potential partners, causing issues down the line.

Eventually

The production on this song is a lot more upbeat than the other songs, transitioning between powerful guitar riffs, and light and airy synthesizer notes. Which is in heavy contrast to the subject matter of the song, dealing with a breakup.

"I know I always said that I could never hurt you
Well this is the very very last time I'm ever going to
But I know that I'll be happier
And I know you will too"

Although the artist knows he is going to hurt this person, he knows that this breakup will eventually be a good thing for both of them. Sometimes the best thing to happen to a relationship is a breakup, and although it's sad, it will get better.

Let It Happen

Let It Happen is the first song on the album, and the first promotional single. Coming in at 7 minutes in length, the song has a lot of different performances and vibes all within one song. Around the middle there is a part where the beat starts to skip rhythmically, feeling very psychedelic, and around the 6 minute mark comes a incredible guitar breakdown. The song deals with themes of growing up, with the artist hearing a voice saying "Just let it happen, let it happen".

The Moment

Another amazing song, similar to the others with a heavy bass line accompanied by psychedelic synthesizer notes. It's difficult to hear this song and not sing along. The reference to the moment could be the moment of a breakup or perhaps some sort of sexual experience. Either way, there's a heavy amount of anticipation and buildup, which is also represented in the swelling synthesizer notes near the end of the song that rise and climax.

Listen to the Whole Album

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLntXg07Q4D0DasUGYjRjszTmvocDnVeB3

Notes

Hello everyone! Thanks for reading :). I just found Steem and decided to try and add some cool content where people could learn about one of my favorite albums. I want to try and make some sort of series going over some other incredible albums I really enjoyed, so if you liked this post let me know and I'll make sure to keep making them!
Enjoy!