“The record is like a really fun weekend with your mates, you know?” nods Mackenzie. “Like, proper fun.” This is how the singer and multi-instrumentalist describes King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s 26th studio album. The record truly feels like a full collaboration effort with many vocalist trade offs even mid-song and lots of group vocals and harmonies. It also includes the vocal debut of drummer Cavs (real name Michael Cavanagh) Lyrically, I find a lot of the lyrics are also presented as “we” vs from a single songwriter perspective.

The album begins with a rocking riff that feels like something that could’ve been on The Murlocs release from 2023, Calm Ya Farm. When the vocals come in on “Mirage City” they remind me instantly of Grateful Dead. That may excite some people, and might scare others. It’s very well executed, and still feels like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard at the core. It sets the tone for yet another sound this band is going to explore on this album. One of the best parts of the song is when they tease the song is over and the band comes back in full force for a final minute.

“Antarctica” keeps the groovy, riff heavy theme going. The song begins with a “woo” but not a proper King Gizzard “woo” (these will come later) The lead guitar throughout reminds me of guitar tones I’ve heard in classic rock songs like “American Woman” The harmonies as the band echoes “take me away” showcase some more heavy 70’s themes that you’ll hear throughout this album.

“Raw Feel” is one that truly lets the instruments shine a lot at times as they keep the first chorus nice and simple with “raw feel” sung repeatedly as the guitars solo, and drums have repeated drum fills. Later in the song they cycle through a repeated chant like singing “a raw feel for you, a raw feel for me, a raw feel for everyone” as the vocals and instruments gradually build into a nice, although short outro.

The next transition is perfect with drum clicks leading from the end of “Raw Feel” into the opening riff of “Field Of Vision”. For those long time fans you’ll be glad to get a classic “woo” on this song.

“Hog Calling Contest” sounds like it could be a Queen song when the song begins before the drums kick the song into overdrive. The tempo of this song is quick, and a major shift in the record. This is a really fun track that really showcases the fun this band had recording this album, including them goofing off between verses.

We then reach the lead single “Le Risqué” which has already spawned endless memes, one liners, and already feels like an instant classic with fans of the band. I think this song was a good lead single, and gives a good indication of the groovy, fun nature of the record. I dare anyone enjoying this record to not smile when they hear drummer Cavs’ vocal debut with the band. This especially applies when he says “okay let’s ride” to introduce the most quotable part of the song where Ambrose Kenny-Smith exclaims “Hello Evel Knievel!” It seems fitting for Cavs to make his vocal debut in a song that translates to “To take risks” If you somehow have not seen the music video for this song, I’d also highly recommend it.

The title track of the record feels like it could’ve been a radio hit in the 70’s and is one of the few songs that seems to focus more on the hooks than the music. This definitely has one of the catchier ear-worms on the record and I think it’ll be one of the songs that will get good sing along participation live. Fans will also love that the song plays out after a “woo”

“Sad Pilot” is another groovy song with a consistent lead throughout the song. It’s another catchy one, with lots of plane related references like “I’ll just keep on winging it” “there’s always blue skies ahead” and “gotta keep it all up in the air”

The driving bass of the intro of “Rats In The Sky” turns this song into an infectious toe tapper. The vibe of the song makes you think if you were at a show you should be clapping along with the band.

The album ends with an absolute jam in “Daily Blues” The song clocks in at almost 8 minutes and feels like a true closer and culmination of everything we’ve heard on this record. There are no shortage of guitar solos, harmonies, and catchy hooks. There are some uplifting lyrics that feel again reminiscent of late 60’s and early 70’s music. “We ain’t that different; lay down your weapons. What you gotta do is grab that person you hated, grab them by the hands look them in the eye and say I Love You”

This album flows incredibly well throughout and it has a consistent and very focused vision throughout. I think this record will be very well received in the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard community, and that the songs will translate perfectly live into a new album heavy set this summer and fall. The record ends by saying “Thanks for flying” which feels like a perfect way to send off the listener. Most times when your flight ends you’re excited to get off and do something different. In the case of this album, it makes me want to catch another flight, and fly with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard again.

Rating: 8.5/10
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard- Flight b741
Release Date: 8/9/24
Tracklisting:

  1. Mirage City
  2. Antarctica
  3. Raw Feel
  4. Field Of Vision
  5. Hog Calling Contest
  6. Le Risque
  7. Flight b741
  8. Sad Pilot
  9. Rats In The Sky
  10. Daily Blues

Reviewed By Adam Backus