Album Review: 'Gumboot Soup' by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

album artwork by jason galea

     An album that gives kudos to the crazy year that's been for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, 'Gumboot Soup' is, quite literally, a random but delectable array of songs that didn't quite make it onto their corresponding albums.

     To give some context, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have spent the past year trying to release a total of 5 albums in 365 days, all while touring, collaborating and organising their yearly festival 'Gizzfest'. Somehow, by some form of a miracle, their final album, evidently 'Gumboot Soup', was released on the 31st of December a.k.a New Years Eve.

     This album follows a string of experimental and diverse workings released by the 7-piece band in 2017, including Sketches of Brunswick East, a jazzy album created in collaboration with Mild High Club, and Flying Microtonal Banana, a fan favourite consisting of microtonal guitar riffs and complex drumming.

     An album that reminds you of skating up and down the street or going on long road trips, the variety in each song makes it an album of substance and easy-listening.

     The album kicks off with one of the first singles released in anticipation of the album, 'Beginners Luck'. This Beatles influenced song tells a story of first-time gambling from an outsider perspective. Rumoured to be an out-take from their 3rd album of the year 'Sketches of Brunswick East', it's easy to see why they thought this song would sit perfectly on its own. A perfect mesh of jazzy drums, dreamy flute and upbeat bass, this song is one of their best ever.

     Next comes 'Greenhouse Heat Death' a song quite obviously cut out of 'Flying Microtonal Banana' due to their use of the infamous banana-coloured microtonal guitar. For those unfamiliar with the sound of a microtonal music, 'microtonal' refers to the use of microtones, which are intervals smaller than a semitone. In easy to understand language: it sounds out of tune, but in a good way. Lead singer Stu's use of a deeper tone of voice than usual draws the song away from previous albums and allows it to sit as an unheard version of an improved MFB song.

     'Barefoot Desert' comes in next with a drum and flute filled intro, middle and end. An interesting observation from this album is how upbeat it is in comparison to others; it feels heavily influenced by the works of The Murlocs or Pipe Eye, both side projects undertaken by members of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

     Another observation from this album is how many times Ambrose, typically on harmonica or keyboard, takes Stu's place as lead singer. His vocals are higher in pitch and therefore stand out more in comparison. Also, there's no harmonica!?!? Whaaa

     A personal favourite, 'Superposition', has an incredibly unique sound, like that of The Strokes or JC + The Voidz (same lead singer, I know).  A slightly auto-tuned and bass and flute-heavy track, the song feels other-worldly and peaceful. The flute solo will blow your mind.

     Hearing Cook sing on 'Down the Sink', has to be one of my favourite parts about the album. A very rare vocalist in the band, Cook has a quirky, high-pitch voice that fits perfectly with the sound of this song. Bouncy drums, drawn out, pitchy saxophone and flute notes, and a mesmerising bass line make this song an interesting listen from start to finish.

     Without a doubt the most unique King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard song I have ever heard (and that's saying A LOT). 'The Great Chain of Being' is an extremely heavy song influenced by stoner metal and bands like The Melvins. Another song that features Stu's ability to sing in a deep pitch, it's a head-banger to say the least.

     'The Last Oasis' is yet another jazzy addition to the album, with similar vocals to 'Superposition' but instruments more akin to 'Beginner's Luck'. The vocal effects combined with differing sound effects and a gentle, continuous drum beat feels like a day dream in song form.

     Microtonal vibes return in 'All is Known', another early single from the group, to remind us that this is, in fact, a King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard album. Reminiscent of 'Rattlesnake', this song is filled with Stu's vocal effects we all know and love. From "yep!" to "owww", it's surely a classic.

     This album is a masterpiece to say the least, a delicious "Gumboot Soup" incorporating all of their musical diversity in the form of 11 incredible singles.

Best Tracks: Beginner's Luck, Superposition, Down the Sink, The Great Chain of Being, The Last Oasis, I'm Sleepin' In

Rating: 9/10

                                                                            images by jamie wdziekonski