Every Saturday I use the Discogs Randomizer Gizmo to pick a record from my collection and write about it here.
I am doing something this week that I have done in the past, and that is to forgo using the randomizer. As many know, I am a huge King Gizzard fan, and I cannot sing their praises enough. So this week, rather than shake my phone, I decided to discuss their 26th full length release.1
I have been saying for awhile that I want to do a long-form piece here giving people a annotated introduction to the Gizzverse as well as a “where to start” kind of thing for their body of work. The more Gizz the better in my humble opinion. THIS WILL HAPPEN—I am manifesting the initiative to do it. It’s hard to keep up, though, because these guys release so many damn records.
On Flight b741, the band takes a break from heavy conceptual albums to return to a boogie-rock sound reminiscent of some parts of 2019’s Fishing for Fishies. However, that album let the boogie rock sound go in favor of a more eclectic mix of kraut-rock, synth, and psychedelia. On Flight b741, it’s almost as though Paul Butterfield, Eagles, Canned Heat, and James Gang2 were on a constant rotation in the Gizz home studio.
This is like a breath of fresh air for the band and its fans, that’s not to say I did not enjoy the last few LPs, it’s just that when Gizz attempts a genre or sound, it’s usually done very well. This is because they have 6 very talented band members. Being raised on mainly 70s-style rock, country rock, boogie, etc., I was extremely excited for this album, and boy did it not disappoint.
The vinyl itself is recycled black wax packed into an embossed gatefold jacket. The cover art is, as always, by frequent collaborator, Jason Galea. He used clay to make the sculpture of the pigs in the airplane. Thankfully, for my wallet’s sake, there were not 437586 variants for this release.
From start to finish, this album is a no skips kinda deal. I will say that there are some real highlights, though. The first single “Le Risqué” had me really anticipating more—and thankfully the month of July flew by and this album came out. The third single, “Field of Vision”, is my absolute favorite track on the whole record. My oldest keep having me play it over and over as well. I am pretty sure she knows all the lyrics at this point. “Mirage City” and “Raw Feel” sound like they should be played on a so-called “classic rock” station. Pretty much all of these songs sound like something my dad listened to and therefore I listened to while I was growing up. It is best enjoyed start to finish.
I haven’t take a deep dive into the lyrical content as of yet, but front man and studio wizard, Stu Mackenzie, has stated that, despite the upbeat fun sound coming through your speakers, there is a darker undertone to the songs. A lot of what Gizz does has this kind of message, though—a lot of themes centered around environmental and societal collapse. Fun stuff.
I strongly suggest you make this album your soundtrack for the weekend. You will not regret it!
Not many 6-piece bands can show off that kind of prolific catalog.
And other similarly situated bands/artists.
Sounds very promising! Completely new to me so will make sure I check this out! Thanks for this great review and recommendation.