By Eden Laur

Tame Impala crushed many hearts this past Valentine’s Day with the release of his highly anticipated fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind it all, created this piece of perfectionism as an offspring combined of pop, rock, and dance. 

The innovative creator excited his fans with an early release of singles including “Borderline,” “Patience,” and “Lost in Yesterday.” Upon the release of those few singles, he reassured his fanbase that this fourth album would not disappoint at all and that it would, in fact, certainly be worth the wait since his last release of Currents in 2015. He lived up to his promise and shared with us 57 minutes of a unique, memorable, and satisfying roller coaster of sounds and melodies. 

Including songs spanning as little as 2 minutes, like “Glimmer,” or as long as 7, like “One More Hour,” Parker provides us with a piece of art that is worthy of focus, analysis, and immense appreciation. With his unforgettable sound and distinct composition, he gifted us with an album that requires more than one listen all the way through to really, deeply understand and respect him as an artist. 

Throughout the entirety of the record, Parker continuously touches on the idea of time. With the opening track titled “One More Year,” the closing track titled “One More Hour,” and the tracks in between such as “Lost in Yesterday,” and “It Might Be Time,” he really makes us think about the concept of time while also considering the time he has taken to compose and publish this particular album. Time is a fascinating and unusual thing to think about. The unusual yet unique sounds of Tame Impala support the concept of time and its unusual fascinations. 

It took me a minute to really understand and appreciate the messages he was trying to share through the songs and sounds. After a couple listens, I realized each song ties into each other whether it be through similarities in sound, his distant and comforting vocals or lack thereof, or the feeling that resonates with the audience. Half of the record makes me want to get up and dance through an ocean-side sunset while the other half makes me want to float alongside the crashing waves in complete tranquility and deep thought.

Kevin Parker is more than a musician, he is an artist and he created an outstanding piece of artwork in this album, one worthy of an exhibit in a museum. Listen, and allow the flowing seconds to take you through the journey that has been created by Tame Impala.