premiere: king gizzard and the lizard wizard

“I’m Not A Man Unless I Have A Woman”

by Josh Madden

The fellas in hippie-surf-psych-rock band King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard have the longest band name we've ever seen and are self-described psychopaths, but when they sent us an advanced copy of their new record Float Along- Fill Your Lungs we "got it." They've got something cooking and a visit to the band's website, which shows sold-out records and merch only proves that these dudes are growing their following. The newest release, due out September 27th, is their third LP; but with their recent signing to dot dash, the worldwide arm for Australian label remote control records, who represent XL,they'll definitely be reaching new territory. Recorded in sheds and garages in Melbourne, Australia, the record includes 16-minute tracks and a musical chairs (pun intended) instrumentation where the seven members all take turns playing different parts and instruments. The result is a truly original collection of tunes like nothing we've ever heard. Tracks like "God Is Calling Me Back Home," are somehow super fuzzed-out but dare we say incredibly pop friendly whereas "Let Me Mend The Past" sounds like it was made in 1957, with its doo-wop tempo and keys. This record somehow brilliantly sits akin to the Soup Dragons, Dandy Warhols, and Jefferson Airplane at the same time.

The track "I'm Not A Man Unless I Have A Woman" feels like Hells Angel singing the blues and the video the fellas have served up fits the vibe to a T. The trippy spaced-out reverb landscape of the track is visually matched by a collection of motorcycle rallies and festival footage. If Easy Rider had an iPod, this track would be on it. This band is truly something special, and they're doing something that a lot of bands are attempting to achieve right now seemingly effortlessly. Check out their Soundcloud HERE and pick up Float Along- Fill Your Lungs September 27th.