OMNIUM GATHERUM

That said, they have attempted and succeeded in many things before. Since their debut, 10 years ago, they released 19 different albums. An average of two per year. And in 2017, they released five! But they are not only prolific but also very diverse. They have made a habit of creating albums around a musical theme with a lot of variety. There's hardly a style they haven't attempted and succeeded in. While still being King Gizzard.

This album was supposed to be different. Finally able to work together in the same room again, they let the creativity flow. They wouldn't decide upon a theme and then create the music to fit the theme. They freed themselves of those self-imposed shackles.

But does it hold up?

Well, comparing your output to one of the most iconic outputs of one of the most iconic bands in history is a risk.

The Dripping Tap is a monster of a track. Starting slow and bluesy that turns into a great jamming session. Is it too long? I don't care! I like it! Should it end the album instead of being the start? Perhaps. But it starts everything off with a bang. 8/10

Magenta Mountain is a very melodic tune, reminiscent of the Butterfly 3000 album. It is absolutely fine. 8/10

Kepler-22b is a jazzy outing and a familiar-sounding track. They have entered this territory before. It continues to be a great track 8/10

Gaia is the first thrash metal outing on the album. It would fit perfectly on Infest the Rats Nest. It's maybe a bit more melodic 7.5/10

Ambergris is laid back. The total opposite of the previous track. Melodic it is. But a bit bland as well. It is akin to Prince. But not as good. 6.5/10

Sadie Sorceress will rub many the wrong way. KG into 90's hip-hop. But I like it a lot. I grooves! 8/10

Evilest Man is one of the longest tracks. It starts very playfully. But the instrumental is mean. An interesting combination 7.5/10

The Garden Goblin is playful but also a bit too goofy for my taste. 6.5/10

Blame It On the Weather is another shortish track much in the same vein as the previous one. Not the best 6.5/10

Persistence is funky in a Gizzard way. They have done this in a better way. It's enjoyable nevertheless. 7/10

The Grim Reaper is another rap track, combined with some eastern tones. It again works for me 8/10

Presumptuous is melodic and adventurous 8/10

Predator X is Gizzard doing thrash metal. And doing it well. As always, the typical GZ things shine through, like the repeating of the chorus. This is one of my highlights 9/10

Red Smoke is absurdly calm after the noise outbreak we had before. It works 7.5/10

Candles is another melodic tune you could find on Butterfly 3000. Nice 7/10

The Funeral is a beautiful largely instrumental with acoustic guitar to close the album. 8/10

If we are going to compare, let's take it a step further. Just like the White Album, this one from KGATLW is eclectic. It has everything but the kitchen sink. And it has ups and downs. But unlike the Beatles, this album has moments of dullness and, may I say it, lack of inspiration. There are tracks that are rather forgettable. In my eyes, that is even worse than irritating on unsettling. As Revolution 9 is for many.

All in all, I like this record. It is a good KGATLW album. And I always applaud their ambition and boldness. I give it 4 stars.

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