Their EP and first two albums, Willoughby's Beach (2011), 12 Bar Bruise (2012) and Eyes Like the Sky (2013), primarily blended surf music and garage rock, and were released on the band's independent record label, Flightless, founded by Moore in 2012. Their third to eighth albums—Float Along – Fill Your Lungs (2013), Oddments, I'm in Your Mind Fuzz (2014), Quarters!, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon (2015) and Nonagon Infinity (2016)—expanded their sound, including elements of film music, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, folk, jazz, soul and heavy metal.
In 2017, the band fulfilled a promise to release five studio albums within the year: Flying Microtonal Banana in February; Murder of the Universe in June; Sketches of Brunswick East, a collaboration with Mild High Club, in August; Polygondwanaland, which was released into the public domain, in November; and Gumboot Soup in December. The band released its fourteenth album, Fishing for Fishies, on 26 April 2019, followed by a fifteenth album, Infest the Rats' Nest, released on 16 August that year.
On the 19th of April they released their first feature-length film, concert movie "Chunky Shrapnel". Named after a lyric from the band’s 2017 song Murder Of The Universe, The film combines concert footage from the band’s 2019 European tour with documentary style-filmmaking of King Gizzard behind the scenes. While Chunky Shrapnel does also document the band offstage, the film’s director, Josh Angus Stewart, said that it prioritizes music over personalities.
Chunky Shrapnel was originally set to premiere at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre, before the Australian government closed cinemas nationwide to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The film was eventually released and finally available for 24 hours only on vimeo.
In all, throughout 2020, the band released several live albums, a concert film, a double compilation of demos, K.G. , their 16th studio album and a compilation of early singles and all the tracks on the Anglesea EP called Teenage Gizzard . In August, Eric Moore (the band's second drummer and manager) left the band to focus on running his record label, Flightless. In February 2021, the band released L.W., their third microtonal album, which was followed by the synth-based dream pop album Butterfly 3000 in June. These albums were released independently rather than on Flightless. The band's twentieth studio album, Omnium Gatherum, was released on 22 April 2022.
On 24 January 2023, the band released the official live bootleg Live at Red Rocks '22. The 86-track, eight-hour release documents the band's three-night run at the titular Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Several independent labels have created physical releases of the bootleg, including a 12-vinyl boxset and a CD/cassette run.
On 4 March of the same year, the band debuted a new song "Gila Monster" during a live performance in Tilburg in the Netherlands. Following that, on 7 May, the band announced their upcoming 24th studio album, PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation via Instagram. According to bassist Lucas Harwood, PetroDragonic Apocalypse will be one of two upcoming albums that will have a "Yin and Yang" concept, stating that they are "going to be very different sounding to each other, but we're going to try to make them complement each other". The album's first single, "Gila Monster", was released alongside a music video an hour before the album pre-order opened on May 16 and the second single "Dragon" was released on June 6 with its music video. The band then went on tour throughout the United States to promote the album before its release by playing songs from the album other than the singles. One such performance on 3 June was at the Caverns in Tennessee where the band dressed in drag to celebrate Pride Night after a judge turned down a law that intended to ruled drag unlawful. Joey Walker told the crowd, "This ain't no protest, baby. This is a celebration!" PetroDragonic Apocalypse was released on 16 June.
Their 25th album, The Silver Cord, was released on the 27th of October 2023.
Their 26th and latest album, Flight b741, was released on the 9th of August, 2024 - it is their first album released on their new record label, p(doom) Records.
The band members all grew up and went to school in the Deniliquin, Melbourne and Geelong areas. The band started off as a group of friends jamming together, before a mutual friend asked them to play at a show. The band's name was created "last minute". Mackenzie wanted to name the band "Gizzard Gizzard" while another band member wanted Jim Morrison's nickname "Lizard King". They eventually compromised with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The artist Jason Galea has created all of the band's album art, and a majority of their music videos.
Short Change
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's to believe?
Who should we change for?
Who could we be?
When my race is done, how did I run?
Did I par the course and pass the baton on?
Change, change, change
The lyrics to "Short Change" by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard + Tropical Fuck Storm delve into existential questions about identity, purpose, and the idea of change. The song begins by questioning whom we should aim to please and who we should believe in. This suggests the constant struggle to meet societal expectations and find truth in a world full of conflicting perspectives.
The next set of questions ponder who we should change for and who we could potentially become. These lines touch on the internal conflict and pressure to conform or adapt to fit particular molds or expectations. It highlights the tension between staying true to oneself and the desire for acceptance or validation from others.
The lyrics then move on to reflect on one's life after it is complete, asking how one ran their race and whether they successfully completed their journey. The mention of passing the baton on implies a sense of continuity and potentially leaving a legacy behind. This line subtly comments on the passing of time and the introspective evaluation of one's accomplishments and impact on the world.
The repeated use of the word "change" in the chorus further emphasizes the central theme of the song. It suggests a craving for transformation or evolution, both on a personal level and within society at large. The repetition serves to reinforce the importance of change and prompts listeners to reflect on their own lives and the potential for growth and progress.
Overall, "Short Change" explores profound questions about individuality, societal expectations, personal growth, and the quest for purpose. These lyrics encourage listeners to consider the choices they make, the beliefs they hold, and the impact they have on the world around them. The song serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the human experience and the constant need for change and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
Who should we please?
To whom do we dedicate our efforts and wishes in pursuit of validation?
Who's to believe?
Which voices or ideas hold genuine credibility in this complex narrative?
Who should we change for?
For whom are we willing to alter our true selves or ideals to gain acceptance?
Who could we be?
What potential selves reside within us, waiting to be explored or expressed?
When my race is done, how did I run?
As I reflect on the journey of my life, how effectively did I navigate its challenges?
Did I par the course and pass the baton on?
Did I meet the expectations of the journey and responsibly hand over my experiences to the next generation?
Change, change, change
Transformation is a constant force, urging us to evolve continuously.
Change, change
The call for evolution resonates, highlighting the necessity for ongoing adaptation.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stuart Mackenzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind