EYES LIKE THE SKY

This is KING GIZZARD's second studio album and I mentioned in my review of their debut that it was interesting to have a song like "Sam Cherry's Last Shot" on it(even though it doesn't seem like it belongs) because it is a hint at what album number two would sound like. Broderick Smith who did the narration on that song is back and doing the narration throughout this album. He has a good voice for it as well.

But the issue I have with this one is that the narration dominates. There's more talking than music. Makes me laugh because I don't know how many times I've written in a review that I'm not into concept albums because most bands are preoccupied with the lyrics over the music and it almost always shows. Well this is an extreme example of that where literally if you took the narration away you'd just laugh at what we have here left for music. Also we get ten tracks worth under 28 minutes.

So naturally if you like stories about the wild West this might be for you but I doubt it. "Float Along Fill Your Lungs" is the next record and it's also where they start to get serious about their music.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's 'Eyes Like the Sky' stands as a testament to the bands unparalleled creativity and willingness to transcend conventional musical boundaries. This unique album presents an audacious fusion of spoken word storytelling and musical experimentation, crafting an immersive Wild West experience that's equal parts enthralling and daring. The consensus is that the standout feature of the album is its immersive storytelling, the spoken word narration, backed by the bands signature psychedelic rock instrumentation, creating a vivid narrative that transports listeners to a desolate and lawless Western landscape. The album's concept is engaging, unfolding like a gripping Western novel, with each track serving as a chapter/subchapter that delves deeper into the rugged terrain of the storyline. The spoken word passages, accompanied by the bands instrumentation, evoke vivid imagery of the frontier, transporting listeners to a time and place where lawlessness reigns supreme. The storytelling's authenticity and grit lend the album a distinct identity that is hard to ignore, but easy to enjoy. This only being their 2nd full length album, the group is already starting to reinvent itself, and serves as a blueprint for their future endeavors, eventually dipping their toes into genres like blues, folk, and hard rock and jumping headfirst into genres like jazz fusion, eastern inspired sounds, and heavy/progressive metal. The album effectively blends twangy guitar riffs, harmonicas, and banjos with the bands psych-rock sensibilities, creating a hypnotic blend that's both captivating and fresh. This bold musical approach underscores the bands willingness to challenge themselves artistically and experiment with diverse sonic elements. While the storytelling is engaging, it occasionally overshadows the musical elements, making it challenging for those seeking a more straightforward listening experience. Those more familiar with King Gizzard's more traditional psych-rock offerings might initially struggle to acclimate to the spoken word format and the Western themes. 'Eyes Like the Sky' also benefits from its concise runtime, making it an easily digestible experience that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. The tracks flow seamlessly, each contributing to the overarching narrative while maintaining its own unique sonic characteristics. It keeps the listener engaged, as each track flows well into the overarching narrative, while still offering its own distinct musical identity. This balance prevents the album from feeling monotonous, despite its consistent thematic focus. This cohesion prevents the album from feeling disjointed, enabling listeners to become fully immersed in the unfolding story. The pacing keeps the energy engaging, making it a compelling listening experience from start to finish. While its experimental nature might not appeal to all fans, it's a testament to the bands willingness to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories. If you're open to a sonic adventure that breaks away from the norm, this album is certainly worth a listen. 'Eyes Like the Sky is a unique experiment that solidifies King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard as true pioneers in the realm of popular modern day musical exploration, their fusion of spoken word storytelling and psychedelic rock creates a unique sonic landscape that transports listeners to another time and place. It is in my opinion a standout addition to their discography. For those seeking a sonic adventure with a vision, this album will transport you to a familiar yet strange new and wild frontier.

- 8.5/10