Is King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard a Jam Band?: Exploring Genres and Improvisation
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard defy easy categorization, but ultimately, while they incorporate elements of jam band culture such as extended improvisation and a devoted fanbase, their diverse stylistic explorations and focus on tightly composed albums place them outside the core definition of a traditional jam band.
The King Gizzard Phenomenon: Genre Fluidity and Prolific Output
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (often shortened to King Gizzard or simply Gizz) is an Australian rock band formed in 2010. They are known for their prolific output, experimental approach to genre, and energetic live performances. Their discography is incredibly diverse, encompassing psychedelic rock, garage rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion, folk, and even microtonal tunings. This eclecticism makes them difficult to pigeonhole into any single category.
Defining the Jam Band: More Than Just Long Songs
The term “jam band” typically refers to bands whose live performances feature extended instrumental improvisations, often building on simple musical themes or motifs. The Grateful Dead are considered the archetypal jam band, and the genre has spawned numerous offshoots and subgenres.
Key characteristics of a jam band include:
- Emphasis on improvisation: Live shows are often more about the journey than the destination, with songs stretching out and evolving in real-time.
- Instrumental virtuosity: Members are typically skilled musicians capable of improvising complex solos and interacting musically with each other.
- A devoted fanbase: Jam bands often cultivate a strong, dedicated following who appreciate the spontaneity and unique experience of each show.
- Live recordings: The emphasis on live performance means that many jam bands release live albums and encourage fans to record their shows.
King Gizzard’s Improv: A Controlled Chaos
While King Gizzard certainly incorporates improvisation into their live shows, it’s often within a carefully constructed framework. They’re not simply meandering through aimless jams. Instead, they use improvisation to explore and extend existing song structures, adding layers of complexity and excitement.
Their use of improvisation can be seen in:
- Extended instrumental sections: Songs like “The River” and “Head On/Pill” often feature lengthy instrumental passages that allow for improvisation.
- Altered song structures: King Gizzard is known for rearranging their songs live, adding new sections or transitions.
- Musical interplay: The band members are highly skilled musicians who are adept at responding to each other’s improvisations.
Beyond the Jam: King Gizzard’s Compositional Focus
One of the key differences between King Gizzard and traditional jam bands is their emphasis on composition. They release meticulously crafted studio albums that showcase their songwriting skills and musical experimentation. These albums are often concept albums with intricate narratives and recurring themes.
Examples of their compositional prowess include:
- Concept albums: Nonagon Infinity, Polygondwanaland, and Murder of the Universe are all concept albums with interconnected songs and narratives.
- Microtonal tunings: Albums like Flying Microtonal Banana explore the use of microtonal tunings, adding a unique and exotic sound to their music.
- Genre experimentation: King Gizzard seamlessly blends different genres, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative.
The Fanbase: Similarities and Differences
King Gizzard, like jam bands, has cultivated a remarkably devoted and active fanbase. Fans often travel long distances to see the band perform, participate in online communities, and create artwork inspired by their music. However, the motivations and characteristics of the King Gizzard fanbase may differ somewhat from those of traditional jam band fans. While improvisation is appreciated, it isn’t always the central focus for King Gizzard fans. The complexity, the themes, and the musical innovation are all key drivers of the band’s popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are all long songs automatically considered jam band songs?
No, song length alone does not qualify a song as a jam band song. While jam bands often play extended versions of their songs, the key defining characteristic is the improvisational nature of those extensions. A long, precisely composed song, even with instrumental sections, is not necessarily a jam.
Q2: What is microtonal music and why is it important to King Gizzard?
Microtonal music uses intervals smaller than the standard half-step found in Western music. King Gizzard’s exploration of microtonal music, particularly on the album Flying Microtonal Banana, demonstrates their experimental approach to music and their willingness to push boundaries. It adds a unique and exotic sound to their music.
Q3: How does King Gizzard’s use of visual art and album packaging contribute to their overall identity?
King Gizzard is known for their visually striking album art and packaging, often created by Jason Galea. This attention to visual detail contributes to their overall artistic identity and enhances the listening experience. The visuals often complement the themes and sounds of the music, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the listener.
Q4: What are some of the most common genres that King Gizzard explores?
King Gizzard explores a wide range of genres, including psychedelic rock, garage rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion, folk, and even microtonal music. This genre fluidity is a key characteristic of their music and makes them difficult to categorize.
Q5: Is King Gizzard’s live show different from their studio recordings?
Yes, King Gizzard’s live shows are often quite different from their studio recordings. They often rearrange their songs, add new sections, and improvise on existing structures. This makes each live performance a unique and unpredictable experience.
Q6: How important is the community aspect of King Gizzard’s fanbase?
The community aspect of King Gizzard’s fanbase is very important. Fans often connect with each other online, attend shows together, and create artwork inspired by the band’s music. This strong sense of community is a testament to the band’s ability to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Q7: Can a band be both a jam band and something else?
Yes, genres are not mutually exclusive. A band can incorporate elements of jam band culture while also exploring other musical styles and genres. King Gizzard is a prime example of this, as they incorporate improvisation into their music but also explore a wide range of other genres.
Q8: What other bands are often compared to King Gizzard?
King Gizzard is often compared to bands such as Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, and Animal Collective, all of whom are known for their experimental and eclectic approach to music. However, King Gizzard’s prolific output and genre fluidity set them apart from many of their contemporaries.
Q9: How does King Gizzard’s prolific release schedule impact their fanbase?
King Gizzard’s prolific release schedule keeps their fanbase engaged and excited. With multiple albums released each year, there’s always something new to look forward to. This also allows the band to explore different musical styles and keep their sound fresh and innovative.
Q10: What are some examples of King Gizzard songs that feature extended improvisation?
Songs such as “The River,” “Head On/Pill,” and “Robot Stop” often feature extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation. These sections showcase the band’s musical skills and their ability to interact musically with each other.
Q11: Are there any subgenres within the “jam band” umbrella that King Gizzard might fit into more easily?
While not fitting neatly into the traditional jam band mold, King Gizzard could be considered adjacent to certain subgenres like “psychedelic jam” or “experimental jam,” given their penchant for psychedelic soundscapes and unconventional song structures.
Q12: What is the future of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and how will their genre-bending continue?
King Gizzard’s future seems bright, with their commitment to experimentation and prolific output suggesting that they will continue to evolve and push boundaries. It’s likely that they will continue to explore new genres and musical styles, further blurring the lines between traditional musical categories. Their ability to adapt and innovate ensures their continued relevance in the music scene.