What an interesting listen 10+ years into their existence. I like this all right, but it’s kind of run of the mill garage/surf rock and I think more than anything is a nice comparison to where they are now. Almost like listening back on early “poppy” Beatles when you’re typically listening to Sgt Peppers.
In the grand scheme of Gizzard I don’t see myself returning to this because a) they have more interesting material and b) there are other bands that I think do this garage / surf rock style a little better. But it was a nice (and obvious) place to start
Really great point. Although this is the style that first led me to discovering Gizzard (can’t recall what I heard first honestly), it is not the style that keeps me coming back. Because:
Just finished my first listen. This is pretty much my introduction to the band, I’ve heard a few songs here and there but haven’t actively listened to anything start to finish. Pretty solid EP. Found myself enjoying most of it but would echo some of the thoughts in here; it’s good not great. I’m excited to see the growth and development across the future releases. I can’t say there was much that individually jumped out at me here as a standout but collectively I thought everything worked well. If I had to choose I’d say my favorites were Black Tooth, Crookedile, and Let It Bleed
I had listened to this album only once before, and it doesn’t do much for me. Not really a genre I’d normally listen to, and no songs stand out too much among the others. If I had to pick a favorite track, it would probably be Black Tooth.
This was my first time listening to this album surprisingly, seeing as I listen to so much KG. I have a similar sentiment to @Random_Ass , where this genre doesn’t do a lot for me. If I could accurately describe my KG preference in one sentence, it would be that I prefer the types of songs and albums without howling to the ones with howling.
This was clearly a howling album, so not my favorite. But I was definitely drawn to the songs on the album that had more of a chill vibe, such as Black Tooth, Let it Bleed, Dustbin Fletcher, and Willoughby’s Beach.
On a side note, the song Willoughby’s Beach immediately reminded me of the type of s song I might see in an older snowboard video. Not sure if anyone can relate to that, but I enjoyed that aspect of it.
Overall it is a solid debut album, good not great. Probably won’t listen to it much ever again, but I am excited to see how they progress each album. Admittedly, I am not too familiar with the material before Nonagon, besides Mind Fuzz (because I have it on vinyl), and then the songs The River and Head On/Pill (since those are some of their best songs), so it should be a fun journey.
Never heard this album before. Liked it more than I thought I would. Not really anything to add to what’s already been said. Not bad but don’t think I’ll ever listen to it again.
Great idea for this thread, looking forward to the rest of the listen through.
I have never heard a song in full from King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard so this was my introduction.
I was expecting them to be a bit heavier and less Weezer sounding (idk if that’s accurate cause I don’t listen to Weezer but those are the vibes I was getting, not counting vocals).
I can definitely relate to this. I thought it was perfect skateboard video music. Perfect for something you’re not actively listening to but also not ignoring. It really fits the vibe and I could actually see myself throwing this on to go skate.
Dustbin Fletcher and Black Tooth were my favorite songs from the album.
I loved the short but weird soundscapes to start off songs like Stoned Mullet and the weird transition for Lunch Meat > Crookedile. I am looking forward to more of that.
Yeah, not much to say about WB that hasn’t been said. I didn’t hate it, but it gets better. Glad that wasnt my intro to KG lol. Not familiar with 12BB either. Excited to listen.
I hadn’t heard WB at all. Nothing really to add. It was enjoyable but yeah nothing to write home about. Other bands do that style better yadda yadda yadda.
I’m looking forward to what ya’ll think of 12 Bar Bruise though. That is one of my favorites.
Going to do a proper vinyl spin when relistening to that one this week!
I enjoyed my first listen to this one. Sounds kinda like the vibe of the first album but starting to also sound like the Gizz we know and love. A lot more going on here.
I hadn’t listened to this either. I started with Nonagon and admittedly haven’t done a good job of going back in their discography.
Agreed that this obviously is a (better) step forward for the band. There’s a bit more melody and dynamism to this album, which makes it a lot more listenable than Willoughby’s Beach, while still keeping that rough garage/surf rock vibe. This also has the benefit of better guitar work and the harmonica which just make it more interesting. I’ll probably revisit a few of these songs, but I’m not sure the album as a whole will be in my regular rotation.
Standout songs:
Muckraker is catchy
Garage Liddiard
Cut Throat Boogie
Sea of Trees
Enjoyed this one. Got me through some mundane spreadsheet work this morning. Not a drastic departure stylistically from the first record but just a much better version of it across the board imo.
Been a while for this one. Went back in with fresh ears for a few relistens this week. Love how this album starts full speed and in your face, such is the Gizzard way. Muckraker > Nein is definitely my favorite part of the entire thing and I think Nein is the standout track on this album personally. Love the energy and the band’s further experimentation with sounds. The middle of the album loses me a little bit however and I could do without the Sam Cherry interlude style track. Though High Hopes kicks things back into gear nicely and there are some great tunes through to the end of the album. Certainly much better than Willoughby’s. Overall I like the style of this album, but still there is other Gizzard material I enjoy much more.
Also random fun fact I just found: I guess the title track was recorded live in a room with 4 iphones.
Favorite tracks: Nein, Muckraker, High Hopes Low, Sea of Trees
I don’t have much to add on 12 Bar Bruise. It’s an improvement on their debut album and has more variety, but still really not my favorite flav of Gizz.
Good morning, Bort. We’re back this week for another edition of Listen the to the Lizard.
Week 3 album: Eyes Like the Sky (2013)
Listening Period: 3/15 - 3/21
Album description/interesting facts:
Described as a “cult western audio book”, the album is narrated and written by Broderick Smith, the frontman for the 1970s Australian rock group The Dingoes and the father of King Gizzard keyboardist Ambrose Kenny Smith. The story revolves around child soldiers, native Americans and gun fights, all set in the American frontier.
When asked about the album’s influences, Stu Mackenzie alluded to the spaghetti western influence throughout the album, stating “I love Western films. I love bad guys and I love Red Dead Redemption. Oh, and I love evil guitars”.