King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Flight b741 (Album Review)
Monday, 12 August 2024
Written by Chris Connor
Photo: Maclay Heriot
Some bands are content to release an album every two or three years, but others have no time for the norm. Australian psych-rockers King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, for example, have released a remarkable 25 studio albums since 2012, with ‘Flight b741’ making it 26.
But an act as creatively driven as this can’t hope to stay relevant by simply recycling the same material over and over — it is testament to their drive and musicianship that they are still finding new directions and styles to integrate into their oeuvre.
Here, that is seen in work that is often more accessible than before, wearing its influences on its sleeve. Throughout, it is hard not to be impressed by the musicianship on display and the sheer quality of the songwriting.
Mirage City carries influences from southern-rock and blues, both lyrically and stylistically. Its final stretch brings in some gnarly riffs and harmonicas, showing another different side to the group and proving that they have once again been able to adapt their style successfully.
Antarctica employs similar elements alongside some more familiar electronic textures. The vocals are more in keeping with their psychedelic and prog roots, while maintaining that bluesy tinge. It is a perfect vessel for Stu Mackenzie and Joey Walker to show off their guitar prowess.
Field of Vision, too, is a throwback to ‘80s blues-rock, full of driving leads and infectious grooves. It’s sure to go down a storm at live shows. Daily Blues, coming in at just under eight minutes, is an epic way to close things out, keeping the sonic theme of the album alive while building something unique yet distinctly King Gizzard.
‘Flight b741’ might be an unexpected departure but it is a thrilling listen that pays homage to blues acts of the past while adding to the group’s melting pot. After 26 albums in such a short span of time it may be hard to keep up with the Victoria band, but they continue to reward that effort by serving up exhilarating and original music.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu August 15 2024 - WASHINGTON, DC District of Columbia - Anthem (USA)
Fri August 16 2024 - NEW YORK - Forest Hills Stadium (USA)
Sat August 17 2024 - NEW YORK - Forest Hills Stadium (USA)
Mon August 19 2024 - BOSTON Massachusetts - Suffolk Downs (USA)
Tue August 20 2024 - PORTLAND Maine - Thompsons Point (USA)
Wed August 21 2024 - TORONTO Ontario - Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place - Complex (Canada)
Fri August 23 2024 - DETROIT Michigan - Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre (USA)
Sat August 24 2024 - CLEVELAND Ohio - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (USA)
Sun August 25 2024 - NEWPORT Kentucky - MegaCorp Pavilion (USA)
Tue August 27 2024 - PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania - Dell Music Center (USA)
Wed August 28 2024 - RICHMOND Virginia - Browns Island (USA)
Fri August 30 2024 - ASHEVILLE - Harrahs Cherokee Center Asheville (USA)
Sat August 31 2024 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Ascend Amphitheater (USA)
Sun September 01 2024 - CHICAGO Illinois - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (USA)
Tue September 03 2024 - MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota - Armory Minneapolis (USA)
Wed September 04 2024 - MILWAUKEE Wisconsin - Miller High Life Theatre (USA)
Thu September 05 2024 - CHESTERFIELD Missouri - Factory (USA)
Fri September 06 2024 - LA VISTA Nebraska - Mainstage at The Astro - Complex (USA)
Sun September 08 2024 - DENVER Colorado - Red Rocks Amphitheatre (USA)
Mon September 09 2024 - DENVER Colorado - Red Rocks Amphitheatre (USA)
Wed September 11 2024 - TROUTDALE Oregon - Amphitheater at McMenamins Edgefield (USA)
Thu September 12 2024 - VANCOUVER British Columbia - Pacific Coliseum (Canada)
Sat September 14 2024 - QUINCY Washington - Gorge Amphitheatre Camping (USA)
Fri November 01 2024 - LOS ANGELES California - Kia Forum (USA)
Sat November 02 2024 - SAN DIEGO California - Rady Shell at Jacobs Park (USA)
Sun November 03 2024 - PASO ROBLES California - Vina Robles Amphitheatre (USA)
Mon November 04 2024 - STANFORD California - Frost Amphitheatre (USA)
Fri November 08 2024 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - PH Live at Planet Hollywood (USA)
Sat November 09 2024 - PHOENIX Arizona - Arizona Financial Theatre (USA)
Sun November 10 2024 - ALBUQUERQUE New Mexico - Revel Entertainment Center (USA)
Tue November 12 2024 - OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma - Criterion Oklahoma City (USA)
Wed November 13 2024 - FAYETTEVILLE Arkansas - JJs Live (USA)
Fri November 15 2024 - AUSTIN Texas - Germania Insurance Amphitheater (USA)
Sat November 16 2024 - HOUSTON Texas - Pulse Power Stage on the Lawn at White Oak Music Hall - Complex (USA)
Sun November 17 2024 - NEW ORLEANS Louisiana - Mardi Gras World (USA)
Tue November 19 2024 - ATLANTA Georgia - Fox Theatre Atlanta (USA)
Wed November 20 2024 - SAINT AUGUSTINE Florida - St. Augustine Amphitheatre (USA)
Thu November 21 2024 - MIAMI Florida - Factory Town (USA)
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