In 2007, multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker began leading an Australian Psychedelic Music Project under the name “Tame Impala.” Parker leads the album production, recording, writing, and performing as a solo act; however, “Tame Impala,” as a touring act, is made up of a few other members. Tame Impala has released a total of three studio albums since its inception in 2007, with Parker releasing the first album, Innerspeaker in 2010. The band released their next LP, Lonerism, in 2012 followed by Currents in 2015, both to critical acclaim. Both Kevin Parker and Tame Impala have been recognized and nominated for many awards, including Best Pop release, Best guitar player, as well as Album of the Year.

Kevin Parker is heavily influenced by the music of the 60’s and 70’s, and nowhere is it more evident than on Currents. The album’s opener “Let it Happen” is all about the realization that life changes and moves on, sometimes without our knowledge or consent. The track is a spacey, psychedelic trip through Parker’s mental surrender to the flow of the world, backed by electronic synths and psych rock elements. Parker speaks loudly about the fact that his life is changing without his intentional doing, this is especially seen on the tracks “Yes I’m Changing” and “Eventually.” Where Parker admits to his lover that his feelings are changing, and he is unable to do anything about it. “Yes, I’m changing, can’t stop it now. And even if I wanted I wouldn’t know how,” Parker sings on “Yes I’m Changing.” He even goes as far as to say that he’s moved on from his previous feelings, and she will too, eventually.

Although Parker mentions his acceptance of his life moving forward and changing, he is also hesitant and anxious about the coming changes, especially in his love life. In the track “The Moment,” Parker admits that although he knows change is coming, he’s still unsure how he’s going to feel about it all, or how he’ll cope with the changes in his life. “Reality in Motion” shows an even more vulnerable side of him, as he is approached with an opportunity to make his move with a woman he’s had his eyes on, but is too nervous and “sober” to go through with it. Kevin Parker seems very knowledgable about the inevitable changes approaching him, and while he uses these feelings as an “out” of a relationship, he himself is still very weary of them.

This is where Parker begins showing a bit of hypocrisy. Although he had little trouble explaining to his lover his doubts and changed feelings toward their relationship, he also falls victim to insecurity and jealousy. “The Less I Know the Better” following “Gossip” puts Parker in a situation that leaves him feeling jealous and hurt by his ex-lover’s actions. After hearing rumors of his once beloved partner being with another man, he is filled with regret and shame. He also admits that true love can sometimes “bring out the worst in him” by exposing his lack of trust and paranoia on the track “Love/Paranoia,” while also exploring the pain of feeling as though things aren’t as great as they used to be.

This feeling of admitting change, but also being fearful and weary of it is very much a common theme of the album. Parker even contemplates the lovers he had from a past life, and the experiences he gained from them on the track “Past Life.” However, even though he realizes he’s a different person than he once was, he still acknowledges his shortcomings on the tracks “‘Cause I’m a Man” and the album’s closer “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” It’s in these two tracks that Parker realizes the mistakes he’s made, first blaming his less-than-loyal actions on “being a man,” then finally admitting that although he’s become a new man with new feelings and values, he can’t escape the same old mistakes he’s always made.

To support this artist, consider buying their work here or following them on social media here