Uncharted Sonic Territory
“Flying Microtonal Banana” marks King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s boldest creative leap—a deliberate venture into microtonal tuning that creates an alien yet hypnotic sonic universe. Released in April 2017, this album proved that the Australian psychedelic collective could reinvent themselves while maintaining their core identity.
What is Microtonality?
Before diving into the album, it’s essential to understand the technical foundation:
Microtonality divides musical intervals into smaller units than the Western 12-tone scale, creating frequencies that exist “between” traditional notes. The result is simultaneously beautiful and unsettling.
The King Gizzard Approach:
- Fretless guitars with custom tuning
- Microtonal bass lines
- Experimental percussion techniques
- Vocal layers pitched in unconventional intervals
The Conceptual Framework
While King Gizzard’s earlier albums told stories, “Flying Microtonal Banana” creates an atmosphere—a physical space you inhabit rather than a narrative you follow. The album feels like exploring an alien landscape where the laws of music are different.
Track Breakdown
”Rattlesnake” (3:49)
The opening statement is hypnotic and paranoid. Over 3+ minutes of building tension, Del Rey’s vocals remain almost stoic while the microtonal guitars create shifting, unsettling tones.
”Fishing for Fishies”
A more playful, almost groove-oriented track that proves microtonality can be funky and accessible. The bass line has an infectious bounce despite its otherworldly tuning.
”Doom City”
Dense, layered production creates claustrophobia. The city imagery combines with discordant tones to evoke urban anxiety. It’s beautiful in its ugliness.
”Microtonal Banana”
The title track and mission statement. It feels like the album’s thesis—taking something innocent (bananas, music theory) and transforming it into something strange and compelling.
The Production Philosophy
Why Microtonality?
The band didn’t choose this direction for novelty’s sake. In interviews, they explained:
- Artistic Challenge: Push themselves beyond comfort zones
- Sound Distinction: Create something genuinely novel in a crowded psych landscape
- Listener Discomfort: Challenge audience preconceptions about what music “should” sound like
- Exploration: Investigate the full sonic spectrum available to guitar-based rock
The Reaction
- Psych Purists: Loved the experimental commitment
- Mainstream Listeners: Found it inaccessible and challenging
- Critics: Recognized it as bold but questioned accessibility
- Time’s Verdict: Now considered a landmark experimental album
Accessibility vs. Challenge
Here’s the paradox: Despite its experimental nature, “Flying Microtonal Banana” is weirdly accessible. The rhythmic elements and Stu Mackenzie’s vocal delivery create hooks even as the harmonic structure creates disorientation.
| Aspect | Challenge Level |
|---|---|
| Production Quality | Low (crystal clear) |
| Harmonic Understanding | High (microtonal) |
| Groove Recognition | Low (very grooving) |
| Emotional Accessibility | Low (very moving) |
The Legacy
Following “Flying Microtonal Banana,” King Gizzard would explore countless other directions—polyrhythmic percussion, garage rock revival, funk fusion. But this album proved they could venture into completely foreign sonic territory and emerge with something genuine.
Recommendations
First Time Listeners:
- Start with “Rattlesnake” and “Fishing for Fishies”
- Listen in a quiet environment with good headphones
- Embrace the discomfort
- Give it multiple listens (microtonality reveals itself slowly)
Best Listening Context:
- Late night drives through unfamiliar cities
- Headphone listening in the dark
- Meditation or introspective moments
- After completing this album, you’ll understand King Gizzard’s fearlessness
Rating: 8.5/10 — A genuinely experimental album that doesn’t sacrifice listenability. Essential for anyone interested in the future of rock music and sonic innovation.