Live in San Francisco '16 cover

Live in San Francisco '16

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2020

80 min · 13 tracks · psychedelic rock

A frenetic blend of psychedelic grooves and garage rock energy, capturing the raw essence of King Gizzard's electric live performance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gamma Knife — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, blending intricate guitar riffs with an infectious energy that encapsulates their live spirit.
  • →
    People Vultures — With its hypnotic groove and layered vocals, this song captures the essence of King Gizzard's experimental approach and serves as a fan favorite during live shows.
  • →
    The River — The extended performance of this track allows for immersive instrumental exploration, showcasing the band's ability to create atmospheric tension and release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album captures King Gizzard's live energy with strong improvisation and a distinct sound, though it may not have widespread recognition.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections where the band improvises, particularly evident in tracks like 'I'm in Your Mind' and 'Evil Death Roll'.
  • Several tracks maintain a high energy level throughout, with rapid tempo changes that keep the listener engaged.
  • The running order places heavier, more frenetic songs at the beginning, gradually transitioning to more melodic pieces towards the end.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • improvisational flair and spontaneity
  • long tracks for deep immersion
  • cathartic release through chaos

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek consistent, mellow vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A live album showcasing improvisation, not a primary entry point or breakthrough.
Career context
By the time 'Live in San Francisco '16' was released in November 2020, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had already established themselves as a prolific force in modern rock, with several critically acclaimed albums under their belt. This live album showcases their energetic stage presence and complex arrangements, following the band's ambitious exploration of diverse genres through multiple studio releases since their debut in 2012.
Stylistic neighbors
Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Robot Stop 4:21
  • 2 Hot Water 3:40
  • 3 Big Fig Wasp 5:11
  • 4 Gamma Knife 4:01
  • 5 People Vultures 5:21
  • 6 Trapdoor 3:22
  • 7 I’m in Your Mind 3:21
  • 8 I’m Not in Your Mind 3:22
  • 9 Cellophane 2:57
  • 10 I’m in Your Mind Fuzz 3:01

Disc 2

  • 1 The River 10:57
  • 2 Evil Death Roll 8:12
  • 3 Head On/Pill 22:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata