King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – The Silver Cord

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard was an Australian psych polymath that quickly made waves in America during the early 2000s. The band released exceptional recordings, mixing surf rock, garage punk and microtonal desert music with spaghetti-western audiobooks, laid-back jazz fusion (featuring fellow Aussie Mild High Club), laid-back jazz fusion (also featuring Mild High Club) and complex progressive rock.

The Silver Cord

The Silver Cord features both a short version, which runs 28 minutes, and an extended cut lasting an hour longer. While the shorter cut might be easier for newcomers to digest, and has its share of surprising moments, but experiencing both versions together provides an unforgettable experience.

Here, the band‘s mystical leanings come to fruition most fully. The title refers to an imaginary thread of silver that connects one’s physical body and their spirit – as long as the cord doesn’t break, they can move independently as long as their spirits stay connected to their physical selves. This idea plays heavily into Gilgamesh – with its lyrics, brutal drumbeats, warped synths, and throat singing by Mackenzie which express its theme perfectly.

With this record, Australia’s psychedelic rock scene finally gained international exposure and made headlines worldwide. Additionally, this record set the scene for creative antics that would define King Gizzard’s sound for years to come – such as flute solos by lead singer Stu Mackenzie or spontaneous shouts of “yup!” or “woo!” that became hallmarks of his style.

Fishing for Fishies

Fishies by King Gizzard is their most refined offering to date. While quirky moments remain, its overarching theme of cynicism is evident: for instance “Acarine” depicts The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” rendered with Giorgio Moroder synthesizer warble and variable-tone guitar part flickering like strobe lights; whilst “Reals Not Real” breaks up mosh pit-inducing nu-metal runs with major-key piano melodies.

Other songs on this record feature a bluesy, psych-rock sound while the title track recalls dolphin communication: “Thanks and farewell for all the fish!” This sentiment could easily apply to King Gizzard at this point; their impressive run of albums includes thrash metal, odd-time signature microtonal folk, boogie rock, surf music and beyond while keeping true to their eccentric name and sound.

Arcanine

Arcanine has quickly won over trainers worldwide with its powerful abilities and amazing speed, making this Legendary Pokemon an intimidating opponent in battle.

Evolved from Growlithe, this majestic beast is a powerhouse. With some impressive stat distribution – attack and health being at their highest points since only evolving once! Extreme Speed allows this powerful Pokemon to strike before its opponent has time to respond, leaving them stunned and vulnerable against counter attacks.

Flare Blitz is this set’s primary STAB attack, capable of one-hit-killing Shaymin and Bewear while two-hit KOing Metagross and Gyarados. Wild Charge provides coverage and offers Rhyperior and Snorlax an opportunity to switch in; Close Combat may help against Houndoom or Porygon2, while Morning Sun serves as an invaluable recovery move from repeated Flare Blitz recoil damage.

Cyboogie

Boogie-heavy song about a cyborg who feels torn between their human and mechanical sides. One of the more groove-laden tunes on an album that explores wild journeys of transformation, featuring some great harmonica playing by Ambrose Kenny-Smith.

As with most artistic works, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s albums can take on multiple meanings depending on who views it. Each album creates its own universe within it – something fans call The Gizzverse.

After the heavy, noisy nature of Murder of the Universe and Fishing for Fishies, Cyboogie marks a return to their roots. While not their best work, Cyboogie does show their ability to explore new sonic mediums while also introducing Han-Tyumi, an intriguing cyborg who becomes an integral part of their story going forward.