FLYING MICROTONAL BANANA

To celebrate King Gizzard being added to the archives, i'm going to review my favorite Gizz album. On this one, the boys experiment with micro-tonal instruments creating one of their more progressive albums that's able to keep a very uniform dark sound throughout. Much of this lies in the very tasteful production that sets this album apart notably in the drum and guitar department.

Rattlesnake starts things off with a sort of King Gizz signature with its repetitive lyrics similar to what has been used on past songs such as "Trapdoor." Lets make it clear, I don't use the word "Repetitive" with negative connotation because it works. I wasn't a huge fan initially but there's a lot of really interesting details scattered throughout that made it a grower for me. The album only picks up momentum from here and doesn't slow down. "Melting" stars to show what this album is all about showcasing the microtonal guitar sounds this album is filled with. I love how it has a gloomy mood while still having a very driving rhythm section.

"Open Water" is a contender for my favorite track on the album. It has these chugging drums throughout and a tinge of middle eastern vibes in the guitar that I always appreciate (obligatory Rajaz shoutout). Sleep Drifter continues the mood with dark whispery vocals. This song does an interesting thing towards the middle where all the instruments besides the guitar quiet down and slowly build back up for a very cool interlude. For "Billabong Valley," Ambrose (the keyboard/harmonica player) takes lead vocals. Its another very forward moving song for about the first half until it slows down to a really cool slower doomy jam section that does some really interesting effects with the Harmonica. Despite being on the shorter side of songs, "Anoxia" is another highlight for me. Right out the gates it comes out with a badass guitar-led intro that comes back in even heavier for the chorus.

Continuing the Doomy vibes is "Doom City" which switches between a somewhat less sludgy stoner metal style riff, and the driving rhythms seen throughout the album. They have a big playout near the end with the main riff. Within this, there's a nasty distorted harmonica solo that I cant help but love for its unconventional use of the instrument. Nuclear Fusion is arguably the most progressive track and it boasts a real hang banging groove during the verse. Closing the album is the short title track with its very tribal sound that is hinted at throughout the album.

5 Stars without a shadow of a doubt. There's so many memorable melodies in every song that this has just become a go-to album for me. This is unique, accessible modern prog at its finest. And believe me, it doesn't forget to rock.