King Gizzard’s Most Ambitious Concept Albums, Explained
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, the eclectic Australian band renowned for their prolific output and genre-defying sound, has a penchant for crafting ambitious concept albums. These albums often explore complex themes, interwoven narratives, and musical styles that push the boundaries of conventional rock. With an ever-growing discography that spans across numerous genres, it’s fascinating to dive into their most ambitious concept projects and what makes them so unique.
“Flying Microtonal Banana” – A Journey Through New Tones
The first of their concept albums, “Flying Microtonal Banana,” stands out as an adventurous exploration of microtonality. This 2017 release signifies the band's embrace of non-Western musical scales, venturing into a sound that feels fresh and invigorating. The album's concept centers on the idea of expanding musical boundaries through the incorporation of microtonal tuning—an approach that deviates from the traditional Western scales. This album isn’t just about innovative sounds; it also reflects the band's desire to challenge listeners and themselves, making it a compelling listen for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The unique themes are complemented by a vivid visual aesthetic, available for purchase at the official King Gizzard Shop, which offers exclusive merchandise inspired by this album.
“Polygondwanaland” – An Epic Musical Landscape
Next on the list is “Polygondwanaland,” which raises the bar even higher regarding ambition. Released in 2017 as a completely free album, it invites listeners to experiment with the music itself. King Gizzard encourages fans to remix, redistribute, and reinterpret the album, which presents an intriguing concept of ownership and artistic expression. The album's sprawling soundscape traverses an array of genres, weaving in progressive rock, psychedelia, and even some orchestral influences. Thematically, it delves into the notion of the Earth’s ancient land masses, thus elevating the music to a broader conceptual level, and making it feel like a narrative of our planet’s geological history. Additionally, fans visiting the King Gizzard Shop can find limited-edition accessories and art that beautifully encapsulate the essence of this project.
“Gumboot Soup” – The Culmination of Ideas
“Gumboot Soup,” released at the tail end of 2017, serves as a compilation of leftover tracks from the “Flying Microtonal Banana,” “Nonagon Infinity,” “Sketches of Brunswick East,” and “Polygondwanaland” sessions. While it may seem like a hodgepodge of ideas, the album surprisingly holds a consistent thread of storytelling. It explores themes of hope, chaos, and the unpredictability of life, with each track presenting a vignette that ties into the larger narrative arc. Its uniqueness lies in how it presents these diverse tales while maintaining a cohesive sound. Fans looking to celebrate this ambitious release can explore themed merchandise available at the King Gizzard Shop, which serves as a testament to their creative journey.
“L.W.” – A Continuation of the “L.W.” Phenomenon
Lastly, “L.W.” stands as a sequel to the beloved “K.G.” album, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve their narrative without losing the core of their musical identity. The two albums together offer a profound commentary on the themes of community and interconnectedness through diverse musical exploration. Both records invite listeners into a deeply layered universe, encouraging them to reflect on the narratives intertwined in the music. As the band continues to challenge the boundaries of their concepts, devoted fans can find exclusive items celebrating this dual release at the King Gizzard Shop, further enhancing the connection to their innovative and ambitious discography.