King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Flight b741 Review
At its core, the album celebrates the band's long-standing friendship and the sheer joy of making music together.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard return with their 26th album, Flight b741 - an impressive feat in itself, but one that fans have come to expect from the prolific band. This latest effort is a country-tinged, harmony-rich throwback to the 70s, evoking the sounds of Steve Miller Band, but with an unmistakable King Gizzard twist. It's one of their most enjoyable records in recent years, reminiscent of the light-hearted vibes of Fishing for Fishies and Paper Mâché Dream Balloon. While the album exudes a fun, carefree energy, the lyrics dive into personal and introspective themes. The band explores inner thoughts, emotions, and the passage of time, delivering these reflections naturally and effortlessly, in line with the album’s spontaneous musical approach.
The album kicks off with "Mirage City", perhaps the most country-infused track, featuring sliding guitars and harmonised “oohs” and “aahs” that complement Stu Mackenzie's gentle, saccharine vocals. Thematically, Flight b741 might not be as grandiose in concept as Polygonwanaland or Murder of the Universe, but it radiates joy throughout. Unlike their more conceptual and intellectually-driven projects, this album captures the raw, instinctual energy of the band. The members focused on creating music that feels natural and unforced, letting their chemistry guide the creative process. The result is a sound that is spontaneous and immediate.
"Antarctica" carries a delightful boogie energy, with a prominent piano presence—something often under-utilised in King Gizzard's repertoire. The track culminates with lead vocalist Stu Mackenzie chanting “it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” leading the rest of the band in a sing-along that is both infectious and spirited.
"Raw Feel" stands out with one of the album’s best choruses, a melody that’s hard to resist chanting along to. Throughout the album, themes of freedom, escape, and release are prevalent. Whether breaking free from societal constraints, escaping into nature, or simply letting go of worries, the lyrics convey a desire for liberation, aligning perfectly with the album’s carefree musical style.
"Le Risque" the album’s first single, leans more into the boogie-woogie sound of Fishing for Fishies than the country influence found elsewhere on the record. It’s another breezy, danceable track featuring some great soulful falsetto from Mackenzie. The vocal melodies on this album are particularly strong, overflowing with catchy, singable tunes. Unlike some of their previous records where vocals merely followed the fuzzed-out guitars, this one shines with vibrant, memorable melodies.
The album closes with the nearly eight-minute "Daily Blues", opening with Ambrose Kenny-Smith’s signature harmonica wails. While the fun vibe of the album might begin to wear thin by this point, the track shifts around the two-minute mark, introducing a smoother, more Beatles-esque warmth that transcends into a psychedelic space reminiscent of their second album, Float Along – Fill Your Lungs. In many ways, this album echoes the spirit of some of their fan-favourite records and singles.
Flight b741 is a joyous, fun-filled moment in King Gizzard’s discography. The band draws heavily from the early 70s American country-rock scene. Their musicianship is so refined at this point that it’s surprising they haven’t ventured into this territory sooner. At its core, the album celebrates the band's long-standing friendship and the sheer joy of making music together. It feels like a fun weekend with pals, filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared love for music - making this one of King Gizzard’s most joyful and good-natured records to date.
