Butterfly 3000
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2021
43 min · 10 tracks · psychedelic rock
A vibrant blend of psychedelic melodies and experimental textures that invites listeners into a dreamlike soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shanghai — This track exemplifies the album's lush production and hypnotic groove, drawing listeners into its swirling sonic layers and intricate instrumentation.
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Catching Smoke — The expansive nature of this song showcases the band's ability to blend intricate melodies with a laid-back vibe, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Butterfly 3000 — The title track captures the album's essence, featuring ethereal vocals and a captivating rhythm that encapsulates the overarching themes of transformation and fluidity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's serene soundscapes and cohesive flow highlight its innovative approach within the psychedelic genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered synths and gentle percussion, creating a lush soundscape that flows seamlessly from track to track.
- Each song typically maintains a mid-tempo pace, with minimal dynamic shifts, contributing to an overall tranquil atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate repetitive motifs that evolve subtly over time, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the sound rather than focusing on traditional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes for exploration
- dreamy melodies for introspective moments
- wave-like pacing with dynamic flow
- vibrant instrumentation for uplifting vibes
- for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a shift towards a more cohesive and innovative psychedelic sound.
- Themes
- dreamlike soundscapes· psychedelic transformation· hypnotic grooves
- Career context
- Released in the midst of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's prolific output, Butterfly 3000 arrived just a few months after their previous album, L.W. This period marked an artistic pivot towards a more serene and ambient style, showcasing their versatility after exploring heavier genres in prior albums. The band was also enjoying increased recognition following their breakthrough year in 2017.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Interior People
The lyrics shift from introspective musings to direct address, creating a moment of connection with the listener as it contemplates shared experiences.
By changing perspectives, this moment deepens the emotional impact, inviting listeners to reflect on their own narratives within a broader context.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Yours 4:35
- 2 Shanghai 4:00
- 3 Dreams 4:04
- 4 Blue Morpho 3:50
- 5 Interior People 5:15
- 6 Catching Smoke 6:28
- 7 2.02 Killer Year 3:19
- 8 Black Hot Soup 5:12
- 9 Ya Love 4:15
- 10 Butterfly 3000 2:51
What to play next
L.W.
2021
It continues the vibrant and experimental sound, expanding on the themes of Butterfly 3000.
L.W.
2021
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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