Preview: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

by | indieBerlin

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard bring the carnival to town

Aussie outfit King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are, for the uninitiated, defined primarily for two things. The first of these is their prodigious output. Having released 15 records since 2012 (including a remarkable 5 in 2017 alone), they make a strong case for being the most active recording band in contemporary indie music. Secondly, and more pertinently here, their live shows are the stuff of legend. Bringing a wild, chaotic energy to their psychedelic blend of genres and styles, their breakouts have enraptured fans across the globe.

I always have a healthy degree of scepticism for bands who have released so many albums. It’s reminiscent of a line from the inimitable Garth Merenghi: “I’m actually one of few people who has written more books than he’s read”. There are patchy records in the extensive catalogue: however, their recent release ‘Infest the Rats’ Nest’ has been received well by critics. It leans into a more heavy metal style than previous releases, which have operated more in a psych and acid-rock direction. In terms of eclecticism, the band incorporate the broadest possible church of musical influences and styles. This has marked them out against their indie contemporaries.

Whether all of the albums are your bag or not, the goofy and fun drive with which they are performed is assured. The band are straightforwardly concerned with having a good time and taking the audience with them. With extreme noise levels and the opportunity to freak out rarely missed, audiences will be in for a carnival of festivities. The show at Columbiahalle should be a great opportunity to experience this in the flesh. Psych fans and music aficionados with an appreciation for experimentation and exploration take heed. King Gizzard are here with an Olympic swimming pool’s worth of material for you dive into.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard play Columbiahalle on October 12th.

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