In the realm of psychedelic rock/electronica, Tame Impala shines as an ever-evolving musical act willing to bend genres and redefine music production. Led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, this act brought neo-psychedelia to life in the 2010s through monster hits like “The Less I Know The Better” and “Let It Happen.”
To me, their atmospheric pandemic project, “The Slow Rush,” felt like the pinnacle of production and lyrics, proving that Parker can still outdo himself. In 2025’s “Deadbeat,” he tries his hand at a house-pop album with varying degrees of success.
The album’s first single, “End of Summer,” failed to impress me and just felt like it was trying too hard to be catchy. But, make no mistake, Parker still has a way with hypnotic production and ethereal earworms. “My Old Ways” is pure proof that he still has it. This track is endlessly fantastic from its skeletal piano first verse that transitions to a house-pop pre-chorus to the groovy synth instrumental break. The lyrics remind me of “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” as Parker sings about sliding back into bad habits and feeling “powerless as I descend back into my old ways again.”
“No Reply” is another excellently produced track with a summery quality thanks to the cascading background synths. Even though the melody and Parker’s murky vocals are mostly repetitive, I think it works for a track about rumination, isolation, and social awkwardness. I may have to deduct a point or two for having a head-scratcher of a lyric like “You’re a cinephile, I watch Family Guy.”
Speaking of hypnotic production, it would be criminal for me not to mention the singles “Dracula” and “Loser.” “Dracula” is ghoulishly groovy and might be one of Tame Impala’s best tracks to date. Parker pulls off eerie electronica so well, and I am obsessed with the haunting vocal layering that feels like part of a main theme for a vampire rock opera. I’d better see people put this track on their Halloween playlists from now on!
The Dire Straits-inspired “Loser” is another highlight as it verges into “Lonerism” territory with spiraling lyrics and echoing vocals.
As incredible as this four-track run is, there’s something I noticed that sours the second half for me. Parker is usually masterful at keeping his production fresh and electrifying throughout an album, but that electricity is missing in this second half, replaced by constant repetition.
“Oblivion” has one of the most drab, forgettable melodies I’ve heard from Tame Impala, and the horribly washed-out instrumentation only enhances how dull it is. “Not My World” also suffers from the same problem, and it’s sad because I like the futuristic instrumental passage that takes up the rest of the track.
“Piece of Heaven” is a short respite from mundane musicality, switching things up with a string of melodic ideas. One moment, it’s an ’80s love ballad, and another, it’s a ’90s techno banger – it should sound poorly produced, but it’s not! The synths soar beautifully and match Parker’s equally beautiful crooning. Seriously, he’s never sounded so tender and celestial, not surprising considering the song is a love letter to creativity, solitude, and having a “small piece of heaven all around me.”
But we’re back in uninspired territory with “Ethereal Connection,” which, ironically, lacks ethereality. I get that Parker was going for an Allan Parsons Project/”I, Robot” instrumental moment, but it’s just not an impressive attempt. “Afterthought” also feels like it wants to be an art rock “I, Robot” pastiche, but doesn’t quite hit the mark either.
“Deadbeat” is far from a worthless musical project, but it’s very much a mixed bag of house music, electronica, and synth rock that peaks in the first four tracks and fails to capture those moments of pure genius in the rest of the track list.
This album does not feel like it took five years to make. I just don’t hear as much of that earnest, intricate Tame Impala production that I’ve grown to love. Still, a handful of tracks saved it from coming off as completely uninspired and banal, and I appreciate what Parker wanted to lean into.
Rating: 6/10
Favorite Tracks: “My Old Ways,” “No Reply,” “Dracula,” “Piece of Heaven,” “See You On Monday (You’re Lost)”
Least Favorite Track: “Oblivion”
