ALYSSA BUMP
Special to The Leader
On Feb. 14, there was more to celebrate than just Valentine’s Day.
Tame Impala released his long-awaited album titled, “The Slow Rush.”
The last album released by Tame Impala was “Currents” in 2015, which became a staple of psychedelic pop. It included 13 mesmerizing tracks such as “The Less I Know the Better” and “Let it Happen.”
But, this new album has a different tone.
Kevin Parker, the sole member of Tame Impala, has created a work of art with a beautiful narrative.
Before even listening, it is obvious that this album focuses on the issue of running out of time.
The title of this album itself is an oxymoron, a contradiction. “The Slow Rush” includes 12 tracks, starting with “One More Year” and ending with “One More Hour.”
After listening to a few tracks, Parker is stuck between the nostalgia of the past and the uncertainty of the future, just like many of us.
This album gravitates the listener’s attention by using unique rhythm and Parker’s echoing, ethereal vocals.
Not only does this album sound alluring, but the lyrics alone have undeniable weight and meaning.
When asked why time was something Parker wanted to explore on this record during an interview, he said, “It’s something that has always intrigued me. Being obsessed with the past, being overwhelmed with nostalgia, being anxious for the future.”
The track “Posthumous Forgiveness” is a hypnotic representation of missing the past, specifically time spent with a loved one. In Parker’s case, it is his father.
The six minute track completely switches the rhythm around four minutes in, making it sound like a new song entirely.
In the second half of the song, Parker wishes to tell his father about all of the things in his life. It is one of the most intimate tracks of the album.
As for the opening and closing tracks, the juxtaposition is quite moving.
“One More Hour” is a climatic ending to this album, featuring long stretches of spacey synths. His focus is on the passage of time.
Both tracks feature repetition, stressing Parker’s yearning for more time.
This album is relatable to almost all audiences, but especially to people in Generation Z. Many of us ponder on our past and wonder for our future, just as Parker does in his lyrics.
He wants just a little bit longer, but the story told within this album is immortal.