Deadbeat is an unexpected turn for most, but a move some fans saw coming: especially those who attended Kevin Parker’s exclusive Sound System live shows in Australia and pop up DJ Loser sets across the globe. Through all of those live experiences, Kevin released the first single “End of Summer” which introduces us to the new world he has built. I remember listening to the record on my girlfriend’s vinyl player and witnessing 7 minutes of absolute greatness, to then flip the record to the B-Side and discover the most heartfelt electronic record I’ve ever heard: “Ethereal Dreams”. This is the most progressive track on Deadbeat and my personal favorite which proved to me that the release of Kevin’s 5th studio album will be one for the ages.
“Now run from the sunlight Dracula!”
Kevin followed up with 2 more singles: "Loser” & “Dracula”. Noticeably different from the last two, "Loser” & “Dracula” give us an elevated original Tame Impala sound we can recognize, stating that DEADBEAT will have something for everyone to enjoy (just in case the dance floor isn’t for you). “Loser” was the first; I had the chance to take in this track on a September day in Amsterdam on the beach. It gave me a more literal vision of what Deadbeat could be: “I’m a loser babe”… “Tryin’ to figure my whole life out’. Very heavy emotion with a music video to follow starring Djo (aka Joe Keery) where we get a glimpse of emotional tension between Kevin and his significant other. His lady, visibly upset and driving off on him as he stands on an LA street feeling defeated, and (ironically enough) like a Deadbeat and Loser. “Dracula” released shortly after: a groovy and fun, yet dark and vampire-esque energy that stands out the most for listeners. I play this out anywhere, and feet are guaranteed to be moving on the dance floor. With the last two singles out into the world, all that was next was the release of Deadbeat.
“Thought I would never go back, but just this once. A little present for holding on so long. I could not bear the thought of it two days ago.. Don't think I would forgive myself..”
“My Old Ways”, the opening track of Deadbeat is an automatic “this hits home” moment for any human out there. Every lyric is a feeling we’ve felt and/or will go through in life, and Kevin lets us know that we’re, in fact, not alone in this journey.
In the first two weeks after the release, “No Reply” & “Not My World” went platinum in my airpods and on my USB. “No Reply” was very personal for me; I’ve never related to a song so much before. Lyrics like “Was I impolite, was that joke alright, I just want to seem like a normal guy”.. “I watch Family Guy. On a Friday night, off a rogue website. When I should be out with some friends of mine..”, all filled with my introverted tendencies and how the mind can run when overthinking about even the smallest things. “Not My World” follows that energy but sends you into a Michael Jackson “Thriller” dance number along with it. This is by far the best dance record on the album and I highly recommend listening to this on an amazing sound system. Truly innovative production and structure, and a job well done, Kevin!
He continues to slide on records like “Obsolete”, “Piece of Heaven”, and “Afterthought”. The guitar riff of “Obsolete” is sure to blow anyone away (a display of producer magic). Just when the song couldn't get any better: Kevin lays down a serious moment on the electric guitar along with rich, ambient conversation and a doorbell ringing to a mansion, which adds so much to this track. "Piece of Heaven” & “Afterthought” have been my replay amongst my girlfriend and I. I’ll look her in the eye and serenade her to “Piece of Heaven” any chance I get, then dance and hold her to “Afterthought” even though she’s my first thought when I wake up in the morning. The way Kevin can turn a sad song or worry into an upbeat and fun experience is a legendary talent by itself.
This project brings out the full potential of Kevin Parker’s electronic theory and ignites a dance floor with emotional feelings. Deadbeat is by far the electronic wild card of the year, while standing its ground in both the electronic and alternative ecosystems.