Today on “The Record,” I want to take a look at one of the most interesting bands I know: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. 

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are an Australian psychedelic rock band known for their boundary-pushing creativity and prolific output. Formed in Melbourne in 2010, the band quickly gained a reputation for their genre-defying approach to music. With a diverse range of influences spanning rock, jazz, electronic, experimental, and even microtonal music, they have cultivated a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. 

One of the band’s most striking features is their versatility. Over the years, they have released a wide array of albums that often challenge traditional music norms. From the folk-tinged psychedelia of “I’m In Your Mind Fuzz” to the ambitious “Polygondwanaland,” which was released as a free download to encourage fans to share and remix it, the band’s sound knows no bounds. 

In fact, their output is so prolific that they have released over 20 albums in just over a decade. King Gizzard released five albums in 2017 alone. 

A key hallmark of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s music is their commitment to experimentation. In addition to the more traditional rock-based sounds, they have ventured into progressive rock, jazz fusion, metal, and even thrash. 

Their 2017 album, “Flying Microtonal Banana,” introduced microtonal tuning, exploring a distinctive sound beyond the typical Western scale. This willingness to innovate keeps their music fresh and exciting, with each album offering something new.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are a refreshing group to listen to and learn about. And with a monstrous 221 songs, you are sure to find something you like.