KGLW レコード& CD

Review: It's hard to side with anyone that goes in hard on enigmatic epic metallers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. When a band releases 24 studio albums you know they're sure of themselves and cult followers are almost guaranteed to support every release. When those releases come with names like PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation you also know the band don't really care for people who take things too seriously. There's always been an interesting juxtaposition between the Gizzard's tongue in cheek persona - even the band name smacks of wry humour - and the music itself, though, and this outing is no different. Sprawling guitar-fuelled arrangements that owe as much to post punk as psychedelic and prog reign supreme, making for another powerhouse outing you can love or feel indifferent towards, but never legitimately hate.

Review: If you've ever examined King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's back catalogue, the fact they've only been active as a band for eight years might surprise. Releasing an average of two full length records every 12 months since 2012, the fact each of those LPs showcases different, new and often daring sides to the outfit is probably even more reasons to stand up and take notice.

Fittingly, KG, which was first unveiled in November 2020 and now sees a special edition land on the proverbial plate, is laden with surprises - it really just depends with which side of the Gizzard you're already familiar with. 'Automation' sees the Australian group call on their heavy metal and progressive rock roots. 'K.G.L.W.' sounds like it might steal you away to a woodland lute performance. 'Honey' is a garage-y slice of primo rock 'n' folk. 'Intrasport' is like (wait for it) Eastern-hued synth pop.