Album Review: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Paper Mâché Dream Balloon
2 min read
Seventh album Paper Mâché Dream Balloon is the brand new acoustic sound from genre fluctuating band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. From start to finish it’s a record with a distinct sound and vibe, and you’ll either be totally on board for the mystery ride or you’ll be left dazed and confused.
Opener Sense is a slinky groove that sets the tone for this psychedelic album, with its prominent line, “I know its recognizable, but it don’t make no sense at all” which is the perfect summary of this album (in the best way possible). Title track Paper Mâché Dream Balloon lulls you into an almost ethereal, dreamlike state with its gleeful optimism and repeated crooning of, “Stuck in a daydream, under a moonbeam” / “Paper Mâché Dream Balloon”. Departing from the idealistic vision and looking at the inorganic and the oddly pressuring nature that is time are counterpart tracks Time = Fate and Time = $$$. Utilising a smooth rhythm and subtle drums to set the pace that backs the kooky spin on observant lyrics, “time is money and that sounds funny”, but while there was potential here they didn’t quite pack the weighty psychological punch you’d expect.
Taking on a more serious tone, Trapdoor is a vibrating track aided by frantic flute riffs to add depth to this spooky tune. It’s one like many others on this technicolour album that takes your inner conscious on a journey of self-recognition. With intense lines echoing, “everybody knows what’s under the door” / “and everybody goes to great lengths for sure” / “to hide themselves away and keep the beast at bay” it’s definitely one that makes you ponder on your self-reality.
Underneath the bright, technicolour nature of this album is a melancholy beast waiting to take on an out of this world journey. Paper Mâché Dream Balloon is an acoustic wonderland of intricately unique sound that’s all too easy to get lost in. While the chill grooves and flute riffs might not be for everyone, they’re certainly part of an intriguing concept for psychedelic rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
