Only seven months since the rollercoaster that was I’m In Your Mind Fuzz was unleashed, Melbourne’s favourite lo-fi face melters King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are back.

Their latest, Quarters, is a cosmic odyssey – four components moulded into one record, each track around ten minutes long.

The album still holds itself up in true Gizzard spirit, hypnotic and heart-warming. We decided to take a look at it, track by track:

The River

Vibrant and smooth, at times it feels like a samba, other times it feels like impromptu jazz. Signature tremolos are frequent, and complimented by bongos. King Gizzard is a band that definitely knows how to utilise dynamics, and it’s extremely evident in this track and throughout the album.

About eight minutes into the track however, things take a turn as an echoed harmonica begins, and continues to echo in the background throughout. It’s amazing how much difference a time signature change can make – yet the mood of the track is still maintained. The most enjoyable track on the album, listeners will be grooving along until it fades out to its follower, ‘Infinite Rise’.

Infinite Rise

This track lives up to its name, with an ascending intro reminiscent of an airplane taking off – a sound which features later in the track. Air raid sirens, a rooster’s crow and a modified baby’s cries sneak themselves in throughout, playing upon the theme. This is true blue Gizz straight from the heart – you could find this track snug amongst those from any other record.

God Is In The Rhythm

Reminiscent of a 50s-esque love song minus the doo-wops, the third track channels an ‘ascending’ theme. Ascending scales are present, quite similar to those of Beck’s ‘Debra’. This track – and the album in general – could be described as something unlike anything they’ve released before.

At times, however, it feels like a little bit too much – like something is missing, or perhaps more variety is needed. It has a catchy beginning, yet constantly repeats with the exception of some sections. It feels as if some parts have just dragged on that extra minute to fill a bit of dead air.

Lonely Steel Sheet Flyer

As the concluding track, ‘Lonely Steel Sheet Flyer’ serves as an amiable way to end the album. A wall of noise dominates the intro, before jumping into a guitar pedal-laden, cruising track. Like the previous, it falls a little short. This might come down to the nature of the entire album – 10 minute tracks, some which end a little too abruptly, each which don’t particularly flow as well when listening start to finish.

Yet ‘Lonely Steel Sheet Flyer’ is metallic and vibrant, and proves worthy of rounding out the four – each element gelling together nicely; sweet harmonies and assorted guitar melodies galore.

In Conclusion

An album more likely to get your head bobbing and hips shaking as opposed to losing footwear in a violent mosh, Quarters is a solid release. With no particular melody carried over all sounds, the album presents itself at times as disjointed. It can also become a little tedious due to each song’s length, but still proves itself pleasing to the ear.

However, there’s no doubt the songs will provide themselves as good contrast to the fast-paced, chaotic nature that’s usually present at a live show – and the ever-enigmatic King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will continue to delight with whatever they release.

Quarters is out May 1st via Remote Control/ Flightless

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine