King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Unveil Upcoming Orchestral Album
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Unveil Orchestral Album Phantom Island and the Sonic Odyssey of a Lifetime
In a staggering testament to their undying innovation, Australian psych-rock titans King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have announced their latest album, Phantom Island, set to land on June 13 via their own label, p(doom) Records. This landmark release—marked as the band’s 27th studio album—takes listeners on an unprecedented voyage, immersing them in a lush orchestral backdrop crafted in collaboration with musician and composer Chad Kelly.
Two years after the dazzling rock odyssey of Flight b741, this record emerges from its shadow, yet ventures into a new realm inspired by a serendipitous encounter with the Los Angeles Philharmonic during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Backstage discussions and spontaneous inspiration ignited King Gizzard’s curiosity in orchestral music, planting the seeds for what would blossom into Phantom Island.
"We never thought we would be layering an orchestra over the tracks when we were in the studio," frontman Stu Mackenzie reflects. "The songs felt like they needed this other energy and colour; we needed to splash some different paint on the canvas.” The freeform spirit in which the album was created—an improvisational smorgasbord carefully stitched together from explosive jams—ensures each track resonates with an organic, live feel. Mackenzie captures this essence beautifully, expressing, “It feels like you’re in the room with the band and the orchestra, that we’re all in the same room together.”
In anticipation of this release, the band has shared the lead single, “Deadstick,” an evocative preview of the expansive sonic territory explored within Phantom Island. The lush strings and intricate arrangements weave seamlessly into the eclectic fabric that fans have come to expect from these genre-chameleons.
But that’s not all. As if a new album weren’t enough, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are gearing up for an orchestral tour in the summer of 2025. The band will showcase this dynamic new sound across North America and Europe, ensuring fans experience the full live spectacle of Phantom Island. Full tour dates can be found below; pre-sale tickets are already flying off the virtual shelves.
The tracklist for Phantom Island is a palpable reflection of their diverse artistry, boasting titles like “Lonely Cosmos,” “Eternal Return,” and “Grow Wings and Fly.” Each song promises to encapsulate the ethereal odyssey listeners will embark upon.
King Gizzard’s evolution continues to defy expectations, and Phantom Island stands as yet another bold chapter in their illustrious journey. So, mark your calendars—June 13 promises sonic delight unlike anything this band has conjured up thus far. As always, prepare to be taken to the outer fringes of musical exploration.
— By Your Trusted Rock Culture Correspondent
Related Video: Deadstick – Official Audio
Phantom Island Tracklist:
- Phantom Island
- Deadstick
- Lonely Cosmos
- Eternal Return
- Panpsych
- Spacesick
- Aerodynamic
- Sea of Doubt
- Silent Spirit
- Grow Wings and Fly
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard 2024-2025 Tour Dates:
- 05/18 – 05/20 — Lisbon, Portugal @ Coliseu do Recreios
- 05/23 – 05/25 — Barcelona, Spain @ Poble Espanyol
- 05/29 – 05/31 — Vilnius, Lithuania @ Lukiškės Prison 2.0
- 06/04 – 06/06 — Athens, Greece @ Lycabettus Theatre City of Athens
- 06/08 – 06/10 — Plovdiv, Bulgaria @ Ancient Theatre
…and more! Full tour details available here.
