King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are not only a band with one of the most unique names on the planet, but their sound shares in equal levels of individuality and creativity. The band’s tenth studio album, Murder Of The Universe, is a cataclysmic concept album which depicts three stories of fantasy, madness and the simply bizarre, all whilst bringing some of the most chaotic pieces of music I’ve come across in a while.

Whereas I would typically begin an album review with the initial track and how it sets the style of the record, Murder Of The Universe’s opening song is not just one track… but eight. Yes, the strange, twisted stylings of the first eight numbers ‘A New World’, ‘Altered Beast I-IV’ and ‘Alter Me I-III’ all feed into the same narrative of a ferocious battle between man and beast to the death which must be listened to in order. The track in its entirety could easily make up an album in itself, and encapsulates King Gizzard’s sound perfectly. The frenzy of punching intensity and use of distorted pedals and vocal reverb makes for a complete tone which is almost overwhelming, the amount of instruments going on at once makes it near impossible to single out any individual tune and combines together for a tsunami of what can only be described as a terrifying concoction of new wave-electro-punk.

Amongst all of the chaos, vocalist, Ambrose Kenny-Smith, carefully carries the listener through the entire narrative behind each of the album’s story arcs. Her soft ethereal tones are blissful and contrast bizarrely beautifully with fellow frontman, Stu Mackenzie, who supplies the album’s sharp harshness through his almost screamed lyricism. The second chapter of the record depicts a colossal fight between god and demon, ‘The Lord Of Lightning’ makes for the first track which feels like the first real single on the record and encapsulates its story brilliantly. The use of highly buzzing synth and electricity throughout the track really does put you in the scene of facing a Zeus-like-figure. The following track, ‘The Balrog’, feels not only Tolkien in name, but in nature the music also eloquently depicts the fiery devastation that the mythical beast has surrounded itself with. The battle between the two beasts comes to a climax in ‘The Floating Fire’ and is a scene of pure pandemonium as the two pit against one another in a truly awesome narrative. The fantasy genre may hold flashbacks to iconic bands such as Led Zeppelin, however King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have supplied a simply brilliant take on the style. They could not be more different from any previous attempts in the fantasy realms, but have certainly been able to inject a pulse of excitement in redefining the genre for their own.

Whilst Murder Of The Universe has been able to both create and destroy a universe in itself, when looking at King Gizzard’s other soundings, it does border on the familiar. Being a band who have released ten albums over just six years, and already have another two set for a 2017 release, it would be difficult for any band to remain that fresh, redefining their sound with each release, especially within such a specific niche that King Gizzard hold. Likewise there are times where, as much as the idea of the concept behind each story does shine through, keeping up with what is actually going on in the song is a calamity altogether. Whilst Stu’s vocals supply the crackled undertones needed, they do sometimes feel drowned out by the surrounding buzzing sound, however, perhaps this was to merely capture the titanic nature of each of these stories.

Overall, Murder Of The Universe is a record of pure insanity at its core. The album’s satanic undertones and bleak look over all life forms make for a nauseating listen that you simply cannot step away from. From not only a narrative perspective but certainly musically, it feels as though, if Tolkien were around today, he would certainly be a fan of King Gizzard. Whilst their sound is certainly an acquired taste, King Gizzard have done what so many bands fail, they have truly redefined and made a genre their own. For those who are seeking a disorientating listening experience of madness, chaos and unpredictability, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Murder of The Universe is certainly a brilliant place to start.
Ben Walker

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