Paper Mâché Dream Balloon
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2015
33 min · 12 tracks · psychedelic rock
A whimsical blend of lo-fi psychedelia and garage rock, wrapped in a dreamy, sun-soaked haze.
Top tracks — play these first
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Paper Mâché Dream Balloon — The title track encapsulates the album's whimsical spirit with its light melodies and lyrical exploration of imagination and dreams.
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The Bitter Boogie — This track features a catchy groove that combines playful lyrics with an infectious rhythm, making it a highlight of the album's upbeat nature.
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N.G.R.I. (Bloodstain) — With its haunting melody and darker themes, this track contrasts with the album's overall brightness, showcasing the band's range and depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's whimsical sound and unconventional structures create an engaging psychedelic experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jangly guitars and soft, layered vocals that create a dreamy atmosphere throughout.
- Tracks often incorporate unconventional song structures, with several songs transitioning abruptly into different sections.
- Many tracks feature repetitive motifs, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the hypnotic quality of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- steady mid-tempo whimsical charm
- playful afternoon listening session
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- headphone detail hunting
- lighthearted vibes for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense emotional depth
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a whimsical sound that departs from their earlier styles.
- Career context
- Released at the beginning of 2015, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon marked King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's eighth studio album, following their critically acclaimed breakthrough record, I'm In Your Mind Fuzz. This album showcased the band's distinctive shift towards a more mellow sound, diverging from the heavier elements of their earlier work while still maintaining their experimental edge.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sense 3:30
- 2 Bone 2:16
- 3 Dirt 2:50
- 4 Paper Mâché Dream Balloon 2:39
- 5 Trapdoor 2:38
- 6 Cold Cadaver 2:43
- 7 The Bitter Boogie 4:29
- 8 N.G.R.I. (Bloodstain) 2:25
- 9 Time = Fate 2:26
- 10 Time = $$$ 2:04
- 11 Most of What I Like 3:17
- 12 Paper Mâché 2:29
What to play next
Nonagon Infinity
2016
This album continues the psychedelic vibe while introducing a more energetic and cohesive structure.
Quarters!
2015
It shares a similar experimental spirit and playful sound that leads into Paper Mâché Dream Balloon.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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