Exemplifying the true meaning of “like they never left,” Tame Impala is back. The past few years had no shortage of Kevin Parker assisted tunes since the world received The Slow Rush, as titans from Justice to Dua Lipa assisted in turning the Australian psych rock outfit from indie sensation to genuine genre-defining act. In one fell swoop, news of the next Tame Impala album, Deadbeat and its second single, “Loser,” have hit the ‘net.
“Loser” Stamps A More Honest Tame Impala
Following a progressive yet melancholy first drop in “End Of Summer” (predating the album announcement yet its lead single all the same), “Loser” arguably picks up where its predecessor left off. The primary aspect that sticks around is near-minor key and overall aggressive instrumentation, with thick guitar chords providing the melody that echoes through the chorus. Of course, the psychedelic keys and Parker’s patented falsetto make “Loser” steeped in that unmistakable Tame Impala trademark all the same. But the darker edges of this song feel like they’ll become the aspect that sets Deadbeat apart from his previous catalog
That continues into the lyrics, where the instant standout is Parker’s repetition of “I’m a loser” has become the flashbulb moment out of this single. Yes, as those with a fluency in indie rock of old will instant clock, it is a replication of Beck’s cut of the same name. Yet it’s also a reflection of genuine feelings of unworthiness despite the glitzy co-star credits and stacked trophy case that the Aussie has accumulated in the past decade. (Check out Parker’s sprawling GQ feature interview to further color this aspect.)
All told, though The Slow Rush may have been a mixed bag for some listeners, it hasn’t taken the shine off of Tame Impala as being one of the more intriguing and dependable creative projects among the “mainstream.” Look out for “Deadbeat” on October 17th.
