By Hanna Broderick – Editorial Editor 

Australian rock band “King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard” released their 16th studio album and marks 10 years as an active band.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard was formed in 2010 in Melbourne, Victoria. The band consists of Stu Mackenzie (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, flute), Ambrose Kenny-Smith (vocals, harmonica, keyboards), Cook “Cookie” Craig (guitar, bass, vocals), Joey Walker (guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals), Lucas Harwood (bass, keyboards), and Michael “Cavs” Cavanagh (drums, percussion). The band is most well known for their psych rock but explores multiple genres.

Their album K.G. was released Friday, November 20, along with a live album from their show in San Francisco back in 2016. Because of lockdown, this has been a long time for King Gizzard since they have released a studio album.

Whether it’s “Straws in the Wind” where Ambrose Kenny Smith’s vocals sound a lot like a Cat Power feature or the psychedelic shuffle of “Honey” the band isn’t limited to their Saharan influences like they have been on previous albums. The best thing about this album is that they don’t prohibit themselves from experimenting with their sounds.

The live in San Francisco album has a lot of fan favorites such as “Gamma Knife” and “Trapdoor” and it’s nice to hear live music especially because of the lockdown.

The most admirable part of King Gizzard is their bravery. Most artists don’t have the guts to step out their comfort zone but King Gizzard really shows how beneficial experimentation and allowing yourself to just play music and not worry can be.