Flight b741
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

HAVING delved into electro-pop on their last effort, Flight b741 marks a significant stylistic departure by taking off into a rowdy roots-rock adventure. Gliding guitar riffs and seguing numbers give the feel of one continuous piece on a record reminiscent of some of the Grateful Dead’s finer work.

The album’s lead single, Le Risque, features a driving bassline by Stu Mackenzie in lieu of his usual guitar duties. A thumping track worthy of lead single status, Le Risque marks drummer Michael “Cavs” Cavanagh’s vocal debut in a coolly delivered spoken-word verse.

Opening with a breezy country track, Mirage City tells of a dystopia that lurks behind a paradisiacal facade.

The listener is then flown away to Antarctica. Cook Craig and company complain of the capitalistic refusal to address the worsening issue of climate change, comparing oil tycoons to “a polar bear in denial.”

Political engagement is far from uncharted territory for King Gizzard — much of the band’s subject matter is concerned with the ill effects of capitalism upon the environment. And, like many of their compatriots’ acts, they have campaigned in support of aboriginal rights.

Mackenzie continues this political messaging on the album’s brilliant closing track, proclaiming “All the bigots go get fucked” — subtle as ever! Spanning nearly eight minutes, Daily Blues is a criticism of religion and its use of faith to bring about conflict.

In yet another genre-bending release, Flight b741 serves to further diversify King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s already ridiculously eclectic catalogue. This album will be pleasing to veteran fans while remaining satisfyingly accessible.

Flight b741 is released August 9 by p(doom) Records.