Your favourite garage-psych group King Lizard and the Lizard Wizard know a thing or two when it comes to pioneering in the world of production. They recorded and distributed their first EP entirely off their own backs, went on to release 8 albums in about four years, have five more projects lined up for 2017, they’ve just won an ARIA, and have also managed to gift Australia with its very own psychedelic festival, Gizzfest.
After debuting last year, Gizzfest’s sophomore undertaking has seen a bunch of national and international acts hopping around our shores, including the legendary White Fence, POND, Stonefield, Los Angelenos Mild High Club, ORB, The Murlocs, and funk master Boulevards. We blissed out to all of these and more at Sydney’s Luna Park.
ORB
Jaala
Stonefield
GUM
Mild High Club
The Dandelion
The Murlocs
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
This week in the world of music videos feels like a walk down nostalgia lane. The collection of clips we are have for you are at times raw, fuzzy, frenzied, colourful and full of feeling. With directors taking us everywhere from inside the machine to the depths of the ocean, there’s a whole journey to be had, so get clicking below and bring the weekend in with some solid viewing.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Robot Stop
In search of a face melter? King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have got your back with their video for track Robot Stop. These guys have been busy, playing a slew of sold out shows across the country, and it’s easy to see why.
The video is the next installment in their Nonagon Infinity series and comes to us via director Jason Galea. “It’s about wear and tear. Its also about lazer beams, plagues, computers, cogs, endurance and reincarnation,” he says of the 8 bit seizure inducer. The band are just about to embark on a UK/Europe tour, and the full Nonagan Infinity film is set for completion before the end of 2016. These guys don’t believe in breathers, and that’s just fine with us.
https://youtu.be/9p_Si21ig7c
James Vincent McMorrow – Rising Water
More short film than video clip, the visuals to accompany James Vincent McMorrow’s Rising Water have surfaced and taken us into the deep. The clip tells a story of love found and lost at the edge of a dark, swirling and infinite sea. Stunning choreography, so many pensive stares and McMorrow’s delicate lyricism is sure to make you feel all the feelings.
The clip comes as part of Tidal’s exclusive content, where full album We Move will be released in the near future. Check it out here.
Mild High Club – Skiptracing
Jilted jangles of reverberated sunshine sound like a cassette tape played so many times the sounds warp. Frontman Alexander Brettin transports listeners to another era, like a washed out polaroid of a day at the beach, with the clip to accompany taking all those throwback vibes and bringing them to life with a collection of snapshots that could easily be stolen from the memory of your parents.
It’s nostalgia for something you’ve never had at it’s very best. As the title track off upcoming record due out August 26th, we look forward to some more time travel shortly.
https://youtu.be/n7SJM6o-RJ4
Sa-Roc – NSFW (Not Safe For Weak Rappers)
This clip is not the usual NSFW that you’re used to, so no need to swivel that monitor away from the gaze of unwanted eyes. Sa-Roc‘s energetic rhymes are definitely not safe for weak rappers, and she slays them accordingly with her lyrical ammunition. There are stunning visuals to accompany from Sol Messiah, showcasing the goddess MC in all her colourful beauty.
In case you weren’t sure that you need to get up on this now, the track features a cameo from Sway In The Morning hosts Tracy G and Sway Calloway. Do yourself a favour and be ahead of the game.
https://youtu.be/-8FQ24Cxyc4
Dom Zilla – Tonight
Newcastle based producer Dom Zilla started making tracks in his bedroom at the age of 12, and by 19 his beats were being used by the likes of Raekwon, Skinnyman and Fallacy. It is no surprise then that his luscious and textured soundscapes are now earning him critical acclaim. Track Tonight is lovely and understated with a video that traces the moment when two paths converge with an electric connection.
Dom is one to watch in 2016 and is further proof that Aus soil is fertile breeding grounds for the best electronic talent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQQefgU5dX4
Another week, another mountain of amazing new music. While we try to cover as much as possible throughout the week, there’s always a few tracks that slip through the cracks – and that’s where your weekly Friday playlists come in. Here are the top ten tracks we may have missed earlier on this week for you to enjoy. You can check out all the other new music we’ve been loving over at our singles and playlists pages.
- Lanks, Bitter Leaf
Melbourne artist Lanks has returned with a sensual new slice of slinky electronica. Dabbling in a more playful rhythm across all layers, the soulful sound, and really nicely arranged lyrics, draw influence from R&B and electro-soul. Also, I love the multi-layered vocal phrases that give off an acapella feel. This might be my favourite Lanks track to date. - Strict Face, Murderer (ft. K-Major)
This is a really cool new track out of Nina Las Vegas’ label NLV. The track has a really smooth feel to it overall, in spite of the heavy, glitchy beat. K-Major’s vocals are a perfect addition, adding a strange kind of delicacy to the melodic synths and understated rhythm. For a track called Murderer, it sure is dreamy. - Mild High Club, Homage
It goes without saying that pretty much anything to come from Stones Throw is alright in my book. With its laid back melodies and off-kilter keys, this feels like a really twisted take on a classic mid-60s pop tune. It feels like it’s being played at the wrong frequency on a record player, kind of melting the corners and warping the synths. - Stwo, Out At Night (ft. A Chal)
Stwo has been on my radar for a long time now, and it’s always great to hear new sounds. This track similarly mixes sensual, hip-hop and R&B-tinged male vocals with really excellent, understated production. The rhythm and percussion work in particular stand out to me on this one, a great contrast to the spritely instrumental layers. - GL, Hallucinate
The Melbourne synth-pop duo have returned this week with new track Hallucinate. I’m usually no fan of disco, but GL have always impressed me. The vocals have a real Little Dragon vibe to it, and that baby-makin’ bass is all kinds of right. I love that this track can have a retro feel to it, without the overly intentional nostalgia befallen to many of their contemporaries. - Emma Louise, West End Kids
Man, do I love Emma Louise. Every single track she’s released of late has made me want to cry and sing at the same time. I believe this song is about the west end in Brisbane, and while I can’t specifically relate to this, the atmosphere is universal and immediate. It rings of sentiment and nostalgia, of reminiscing on days past, for better or for worse. I’m aware that this is a strange comparison, but the verses and atmosphere really reminded me of the melody on Seekae’s Another. - Sannhet, Short Life
This week’s Adult Swim Single comes from Sannhet, who admittedly I somehow wasn’t aware of up til now, but man am I grateful for the discovery. Experimental, instrumental metal is certainly not for everyone, but it’s been a long time affair for myself. Like Deafheaven or Pelican, or even Red Sparowes to a lesser extent, the sweeping phrases and wide, provocative chords, coupled with frantic drums and ear-splitting toplines, bring you along for one wild, wild ride. This might be my favourite Adult Swim single of the season so far, and I’ve just discovered my new favourite post-metal band. - Josué, Jupiter
Moving on from there comes a gorgeous soul/R&B offering from Australian artist Josué. Taking cues from Thundercat as much as D’Angelo, this is a spacey, sensual piece, with honeyed melodies, an understated beat, late-night vibes and a lush atmosphere overall. if you happen to be reading this in Melbourne, catch the man in action at the Evelyn Hotel this Sunday 26th.
Image: Sannhet/Adult Swim