
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are back with their 26th album, Flight b741, set to release on 9th August 2024. This marks the first album on their own (p)doom records, showcasing a significant change of pace for the band. Known for their relentless inventiveness, the group has shifted from grand conceptual albums to a more intimate, joy-filled recording process. The album is a testament to their camaraderie and features an infectious, rolling boogie titled ‘Le Risque’, where drummer Michael Cavanagh makes his vocal debut.
READ MORE: ★★★★☆ The Silver Cord review | King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard ditch guitars for a cosmic robo-rave
Reflecting on their recent headline slot at the Wide Awake festival in Brockwell Park, London, Flight b741 captures the essence of six friends enjoying each other’s company. “We wanted to make something that was primal, instinctual, more ‘from the gut’,” says frontman Stu Mackenzie. The band took a casual, relaxed approach, working Monday to Friday like factory workers, focusing on creating music that felt right in the moment.
Director Guy Tyzack, who filmed the aviation-themed video for ‘Le Risque’, shared his excitement about the unique shoot: “We were super lucky to have been granted access to this amazing air hanger… Our crew was tight, and the Gizz guys know how to put on a show.”
Unlike their previous albums, Flight b741 has no overarching concept. Instead, it leans into fun and spontaneity, with each band member contributing vocals and lyrics, creating a deeply collaborative atmosphere. “This is our most collaborative record,” Mackenzie explains. “We wanted to have as many lead vocalists as we could, and to pass the mic, like, ‘This is my part, my idea, I’m gonna sing it and then I’m gonna pass the mic along to you and you can do your thing’.”
Following the release, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will embark on an extensive U.S. tour, including two nights at Forest Hills Stadium in NYC and three shows at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. They have also announced a European Residency Tour for early summer 2025, with dates in Lisbon, Barcelona, Vilnius, Athens, and Plovdiv.
Flight b741 promises to be a fun, reflective album that encapsulates the band’s energy and deep connection with each other. As Mackenzie sums it up, “The record is like a really fun weekend with your mates, you know? Like, proper fun.”
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