What makes Flying Microtonal Banana by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard notable?

This album was notable for introducing microtonal tuning to a wider audience within rock music, influencing both fans and fellow musicians. It received positive critical acclaim and contributed to the band's growing reputation as innovators in the contemporary music scene, solidifying their status with publications like Pitchfork and The Guardian highlighting its creative risks. Flying Microtonal Banana is King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's ninth studio album, released in February 2017. At this point, the band had already established a prolific output and unique identity within the garage and psychedelic rock scenes, following their breakthrough albums like Nonagon Infinity. This album marks their first exploration of microtonal tuning, setting the stage for their continued experimentation in subsequent releases.

Who is Flying Microtonal Banana for?

Flying Microtonal Banana works well if you're into dynamic progression through tracks, wave-like pacing with resolution and vibrant exploration of sound.

How many songs are on Flying Microtonal Banana?

Flying Microtonal Banana has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Flying Microtonal Banana

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2017

41 min · 9 tracks · psychedelic rock

Psychedelic rock infused with microtonal instrumentation creates a swirling, vibrant soundscape that pushes musical boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rattlesnake — Opening the album, this track blends hypnotic rhythms with intricate melodies, showcasing the band's microtonal approach while establishing a sense of expansive journey.
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Billabong Valley — With its catchy hooks and laid-back vibe, this track encapsulates the playful spirit of the album while effectively utilizing microtonal elements to create an uplifting feel.
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Nuclear Fusion — This track stands out with its frenetic energy and complex structures, exemplifying how the band masterfully incorporates experimental sounds into their signature psychedelic style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album's microtonal approach and cohesive sound create a distinctive listening experience that rewards repeat plays.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of microtonal scales across all tracks, creating a unique tonal palette that distinguishes it from conventional rock.
Each track maintains a mid-tempo groove, with layered instrumentation that builds complexity without overwhelming the listener.
The final track, 'Flying Microtonal Banana', serves as a culmination of the album's themes, incorporating elements from earlier songs while introducing new motifs.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic progression through tracks
wave-like pacing with resolution
vibrant exploration of sound
engaging headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Introduces microtonal tuning, marking a significant shift in their sound.
Themes: microtonal experimentation· Australian outback landscapes· hypnotic rhythmic journeys
Career context: Flying Microtonal Banana is King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's ninth studio album, released in February 2017. At this point, the band had already established a prolific output and unique identity within the garage and psychedelic rock scenes, following their breakthrough albums like Nonagon Infinity. This album marks their first exploration of microtonal tuning, setting the stage for their continued experimentation in subsequent releases.
Stylistic neighbors: Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sleep Drifter

The narrative shifts from a third-person perspective to an introspective reflection on dreams and reality.

This structural choice deepens the emotional engagement, creating a more personal connection as the listener is invited into the narrator's subconscious experience.