A Hypnotic Journey into Microtonal Territory
“Rattlesnake” is the opening track and lead single from King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s 2017 album “Flying Microtonal Banana.” It’s a dense, psychedelic composition that immediately announces the album’s experimental direction.
The Production
The track is built on microtonal guitars—a tuning system that divides the octave into smaller intervals than the traditional Western 12-tone scale. This creates an unsettling, otherworldly quality that sounds alien yet oddly musical.
Key Elements:
- Microtonal fretless guitars
- Hypnotic bassline that anchors the chaos
- Ambient atmospheric textures
- Stu Mackenzie’s deadpan vocal delivery
- Over 3 minutes of slowly building tension
Lyrical Content
The lyrics are cryptic and repetitive, focusing on the word “rattlesnake” as a mantra-like refrain. Rather than telling a conventional story, the song creates a mood—one of paranoia, desert imagery, and primal danger.
“I saw it comin’ / I saw the rattlesnake / I saw it comin’ / Through the tall grass”
The Deeper Meaning
Some interpret “Rattlesnake” as a warning—about nature, about threats, about the unknown. Others see it as purely sonic exploration with minimal lyrical content. This ambiguity is part of what makes King Gizzard special; they create space for interpretation.
Cultural Impact
When released, “Rattlesnake” polarized listeners:
- Lovers: Praised its experimental audacity and hypnotic groove
- Haters: Found it inaccessible and self-indulgent
- Critics: Recognized it as a bold artistic statement
Three years later, the track has aged beautifully, becoming a favorite among fans of experimental rock and psychedelia.
Standout Moment: The 2:15 mark, where the microtonal guitars seem to phase in and out of sync—unsettling yet mesmerizing.