A fluttering piano riff, whirling strings, trumpet fanfare, flute – hold up, this can’t be those shapeshifting larrikins King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, can it? Well, of course it bloody well can be.
Since the band’s debut, 2012’s 12 Bar Bruise, dropped, this Surf Coast ensemble have now released 27 albums – correct! About two per year, although quality is never sacrificed.
Phantom Island is a “more laidback” companion piece to the blues-rock boogie of last year’s Flight b741. Both albums were written and recorded around the same time, but initial Phantom Island mixes felt unfinished. In 2023, Gizz met members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic backstage at the Hollywood Bowl. Cue an aha moment – Let There Be Orchestration!
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“Is this mental confusion or have I finally found my purpose?/ Coconut congas playing in time with the waltz of a tortoise” – the opening title track’s lyrics wouldn’t sound outta place on Sgt. Pepper! Also, there’s something so exhilarating about fully orchestrated electric guitar solos.
To conclude Lonely Cosmos, histrionic, descending strings close in like a K-hole. Spacesick (“…on my spaceship”) – LOL, they simply can’t help themselves. Eternal Return bemoans repeatedly bidding farewell to home and family life while touring the globe: “Although I’m in love with the long road… I must admit I miss the sweet smell of gum leaves.”
“Let’s get real high,” the closing Grow Wings And Fly recommends, but we’re already there. “Catch me dancin’ in the summer rain/ With my tongue out/ WOO-HOOOOO!” Then our soft landing is cushioned by elongated strings, guitar noodling and piano chords.
Phantom Island contains more songs for the cooked, to be enjoyed by all.
LABEL: P(DOOM) RECORDS. RELEASE: OUT NOW
