Description
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Teenage Gizzard – Aqua Blue Vinyl Record
Teenage Gizzard is a compilation album by Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, released on December 24, 2020. This collection includes ten tracks that capture the raw energy and experimental spirit of the band’s earliest recordings, dating back to 2010 and 2011. These songs showcase the group’s initial garage rock and lo-fi sound before they ventured into the diverse range of styles that would define their later work, including psychedelia, progressive rock, metal, and jazz fusion. Teenage Gizzard is a window into King Gizzard’s formative years, featuring gritty production, garage rock riffs, and an unfiltered look at their early musical explorations.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 2010. Their early sound was heavily influenced by garage rock, surf rock, and punk, a stark contrast to the more complex, genre-blending projects that would later become their trademark. Teenage Gizzard was initially released as a limited-edition, fan-distributed compilation, encouraging fans to create and distribute their own vinyl pressings, part of King Gizzard’s commitment to DIY ethos and community involvement.
The album features straightforward, high-energy tracks with raw production, capturing the scrappy intensity of the band’s early shows. It is an essential listen for fans who want to explore the beginnings of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and hear how their sound evolved over time.
Key Tracks
‘Hey There’ – This opening track sets the tone with a gritty, lo-fi garage rock vibe. Its driving beat and repetitive guitar riff capture the band’s early DIY aesthetic and frenetic energy.
‘Ants & Bats’ – A high-energy track with surf rock influences, this song features jangly guitars and echoing vocals, reflecting the garage and punk styles that characterized their early sound.
‘Sleep’ – A slower, hypnotic track that hints at the psychedelic style King Gizzard would later become known for. The song has a repetitive, trance-like groove, giving it a mesmerizing quality despite its minimalistic production.
‘Summer!’ – With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, ‘Summer!’ is a playful, straightforward rock song that channels carefree energy and reflects the band’s laid-back vibe.
‘Eddie Cousin’ – This song leans into punk rock territory, with fast-paced guitars, distorted vocals, and a raw sound that gives it a raucous, rebellious edge.
‘Fried’ – With a mix of chaotic rhythms and gritty vocals, ‘Fried’ highlights the band’s experimental side even in their early days. The song captures their love for fuzz-drenched, unpredictable garage rock.
‘Good to Me’ – One of the more melodic tracks, ‘Good to Me’ has catchy hooks and a feel-good vibe. Its simplicity and charm show the band’s ability to write memorable garage rock songs.
‘Tomb/Beach’ – This song has a darker, brooding tone with heavy bass and echoing guitar lines. The track hints at the eclecticism that would come to define King Gizzard’s style.
‘Trench Foot’ – A fast-paced punk track with aggressive guitar riffs and shouted vocals, ‘Trench Foot’ is among the most energetic tracks on the album, capturing the chaotic spirit of the band’s early shows.
‘Life Is Cool’ – The closing track has a laid-back, tongue-in-cheek vibe, combining upbeat melodies with carefree lyrics. It serves as a fitting end to the compilation, capturing the band’s youthful spirit.
Teenage Gizzard is rooted in themes of youthful energy, spontaneity, and creative experimentation. The album reflects a time when the band was still finding their sound and style, with songs that are unapologetically raw and full of life. The tracks explore everything from fun and carefree summer anthems to darker, punk-inspired themes, showcasing a wide range of moods despite the lo-fi production.
The production style is intentionally rough and lo-fi, with fuzzy guitars, reverb-heavy vocals, and minimal post-production effects. This DIY approach gives the album a sense of authenticity and captures the energy of a garage band playing for the pure joy of creating music.
Teenage Gizzard was met with enthusiasm by fans, particularly those interested in exploring King Gizzard’s roots and raw beginnings. The album has been appreciated for its insight into the band’s early days and for capturing the unpolished sound that marked their early years. Critics and fans alike view the album as a historical piece that offers a glimpse into the formative influences that would later shape King Gizzard’s eclectic and genre-defying career.
Although Teenage Gizzard may not have the polish or complexity of their later releases, it provides a valuable look into the band’s early creative process and the garage rock scene they emerged from.
Teenage Gizzard is a testament to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s commitment to their DIY roots and their evolution as one of the most prolific and genre-fluid bands of their generation. By releasing the album as a free-to-share compilation, the band reinforced their dedication to community involvement and independent music culture. For longtime fans, Teenage Gizzard serves as a nostalgic look back at the beginnings of a band that would go on to experiment with nearly every genre imaginable, making it a must-listen for those interested in the full spectrum of King Gizzard’s musical journey.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Hey There
Ants and Bats
Sleep
Summer
Eddie Cousin
Fried
Good To Me
Tomb / Bleach
Trench Foot
Life Is Cool
