Fun fact: Each song in ice death follows one of the seven modes of the major scale: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. Also the initials of the album title are the same initials of the seven modes. :D

The japanese band Fishmans tended to straddle the middle of the Dead/Fish dichotomy in their later live sets, would definitely recommend giving any of the live albums between 1996-1998 a listen

King Gizzard transcends the label of jam band. Yes this album is jammy and it’s great, but the amount of musical ground they have covered is incredible. From heavy metal, to folk, to synth pop. They are great at writing tightly constructed songs and albums too. Just take a listen to Polygonwanaland and Butterfly 3000.

I think King Gizzard are far beyond a conventional jam band. This era that we're in at the minute, with lengthy, meandering tracks on official releases, and even longer versions at live shows is fairly new for these guys, yet it seems like they are at home with this style. When you compare the 2016 era of King Gizz, where they played super tight setlists, they excelled and really brought the albums such as Nonagon Infinity to life. But seeing them weave in many different tracks into one long jam is a whole new level in my opinion, and I think part of the reason why they can do it so seamlessly is because of their earlier years of playing concise setlists. I'm a huge fan of these guys and I have been for many years. I got to see them for the first time in 2019, and even then there were elements of prolonged jams, but the current output and live performances is a whole new level. For anyone wanting to hear some of the live shows, I highly recommend Mystery Jack's Channel! kzfaq.info/love/_nJOSthA7oUlizlfO3tmEgvideos

the reason king gizzard isnt put on the "jam band" category its cause for a lot of their projects, they werent a jam band, they were a psychodelic rock band, a metal band, a progressive rock band, etc

I just saw them three nights ago at redrocks! They played for three hours and only stopped to play a track from their new album (even newer than this one)!!!! Often they would play for at least 20 minutes/song! jamming hard!!!! Highly recommend seeing them if you get the chance.

I’ve been saying that King Gizzard is our generations Grateful Dead/Phish. They have built a cult-like following and just pump out music non stop while also touring. They just played two back to back 3 hour long marathon concerts at Red Rocks. They are absolute mad lads and I love them so much.

I just got back from the first two Red Rocks shows and let me just say....you HAVE to witness it. Completely unbelievable performances. Damn near life changing for myself. I have plenty of friends who have always been into The Dead but it never stuck fir me...but after seeing those two shows....man i just get it. Completely mind blowing to see what those guys were doing on stage. Truly unreal. Do everything in your power to get to Red Rocks for that third night. You will not regret it. Wish i could join you

They're the most musically diverse and prolific bands in the last .....well forever Long live the Gizz

Great review as always. You're becoming a real gizz guzzler

It’s worth every penny to go out to Red Rocks! I just saw them play 3hrs In Berkeley and it was the greatest show I’ve ever been to. I would love to hear a concert review about it if you go, especially since you say you haven’t heard a lot of their discography and they play a ton of it during those shows.

The dead and phish continuum segment was great. Encapsulates how i feel about phish too. Just couldn’t connect to it like i did with grateful dead. But man gizz changed my life, been almost the only music i listen to since 2015.

Oh ok Skye, wow, I was not expecting that title. As what is maybe the only consistent viewer of the channel that would be willing to talk about how Phish is their favorite band ever (and how the Dead isn't far behind), I have this jumbled mess of thoughts to say. Well, the thing about Phish and the Dead is that they both lasted a very, VERY long time. The Dead lasting 31, and Phish currently on their 39th. Both of these bands have gone through many, MANY different phases of exploration. The Dead went from being a simple blues band to psychedelia in the late 60s to country folk and jazz in the early 70s to disco in the late 70s. Phish went from a quirky prog band in the 80s to a band that picked genres out of a hate in the early 90s to arena rock in the mid 90s to funk in the late 90s to more ambient and drone stuff in the early 00s. These bands went through a fuckton of different changes. King Gizzard, has also gone through almost as many changes, and their only in their 11th year. I've been listening to a lot of King Gizzard bootlegs from this year (you can find them very easily on KZfaq), and I must say, that if this is the start of King Gizzard becoming the greatest jam band of all time, according to you, then this is a step in the right direction. They just played 2 back-to-back shows at Red Rocks earlier this week, both of them being 3 hours and not repeating a single song, something Phish is known for doing. Another thing that I'd say is that all the other bands in the "jam band" scene don't seem to take much influence from bands that aren't the Dead and Phish. Phish certainly didn't take much influence from the Dead (seriously, I hate when people say this, if you listen to both for a few hours and you can not tell the different between the two on some random jam, uh, ouch). And King Gizzard have said in interviews that they barely listen to any Phish. This is good! We want the Big Jam Band #3 to sound like something not at all like the Dead or Phish! That would be great! King Gizzard on the surface is probably the best band out of the 3 overall. Can they become the best "jam band?" Well, we'll wait and see. All of this was written with me pausing approximately 2 minutes into the video, so I'll see what you have to say, and then respond accordingly.

They’re the best jam band because they actually make good studio albums at a consistent rate while also tearing up every live set.

You're right to want to see them at Red Rocks on November. I saw their first show there this week, and I thought it was a such a transcendent show! (Partially because they played Inner Cell, Loyalty, and Horology, which I've been wanting to see live for 6 years) I'm excited to hear your thoughts on Laminated Denim. I like Ice Death Salt Fat Acid Heat, but I think Laminated Denim has stolen the spotlight for me.

I went to my first concert ever and saw king gizzard live in Toronto this week. Honestly makes me feel lucky to be able to experience it, probably like being a deadhead back in the day! You should absolutely go to a show whenever you get the chance. Such a special experience.

Magma is an experience.

Ahhh man. I love the King Gizz reviews! Thank you so much. Wait till you hear Laminated Denim!

Feel so lucky to grow up in the same city as gizz. Seen em a bunch of times and have had a chat with a few members. Very lovely people and love their fans

Always love your insightful reviews!

Dude - thanks so much for turning me onto them! Dunno if I'd say 'they're the best Jam Band ever', but they're definitely great! Their videos are next level also!

I've seen six dead shows with Jerry and 71 phish shows. I just saw the two King Gizzard red rocks shows. They are the real deal. Great sound, good light show, the sets flow really well. I will never miss a gizzard show if they come to town and would travel to see them. Iron Lung was a highlight of the second night.

I was actually turned on to KGWL by Trey himself. He loves that band. He thinks they are the best jam band! They are an amazing band! My first Phish show was 1989. I've been to over 100 Dead shows and I've lost count of Phish shows back in the late 90's. I was one of those early fans that loved both. Most did not. Towards the end of the Dead the fans between the Dead and Phish did not like each other. I never understood that. My only advice to you is to listen to where Phish is now. I've been listening to them for 33 years. And their music now is definitely the best in my opinion. Much more mature. More mature lyrics. Trey's song writing is completely different than it was in the past. Their jams are a lot different now and I would dare to actually say more Dead like actually. Their music now gives me that same feeling I got back when I saw the Dead! It is so similar in vibe now! And Their shows are just so freaking fun! Their fans are so much fun too! I would like to suggest you go and catch a Phish show now. They are a LOT different than they were in 1992.

Idk if The Dead inspired Ambrose’s decision in the Boogieman Sam>Cutthroat Boogie>My Babe>Mojo>Going Up Rap on 10/11/22 or not but the dead played My Babe once, 11/8/1970 and Mojo three times (once on ‘77 and twice in ‘78). The October 28, 1978 show actually does Mojo>GDTRFB

Your take on how it feels to be in the flow on a jam is completely on point with my experience. No matter how unimpressive my jam may have been haha!

Skye, I’ve seen many red rocks shows but this king Gizz show that just happened was incredible. It was my first time seeing them and I definitely turned from an average KGATLW enjoyer to a proper fan. I got sucked into the Merch table and bought an album they just released and it came in a denim sleeve haha. The band themselves were the most musically tight group I’ve ever seen 3 hours of goodness

I love these types of videos! I am a huge fan of both Phish and the Dead, as well as really dig King Gizzard. Before Jerry died, I saw GD about 100 times ( and JGB about 20 times) starting in 85 and have seen Phish well over 140 times (and still going) starting in 86 . Good analysis and fun video! I disagree with you about the lyrics' seriousness both of the Dead and Phish, particularly of the Dead. Robert Hunter was one of the greatest poets of the 20th Century (Workingman's Dead and American Beauty demonstrates this). And while Phish certainly has plenty of songs that are just weird and/or non-serious, especially from their early days, I would argue that a majority of their songs are pretty well composed and thoughtful from a lyric perspective - Look at the entire album of Rift which is a concept album about a man dreaming about the rift in his relationship with his girlfriend.

from a musician of 2 decades: great commentary. you have a vast and interesting understanding of the music you consume

It has been a *good time* being a Gizz fan. Jump on board folks, these guys are the real deal. Legends.

King Gizzard is actually only recently a jam band. Their older stuff is WAY tighter and way more considered and in my opinion a lot better. I know you're only a Gizz fan from 2020 onwards but goddamn you're missing out on so much if you don't hear Nonagon Infinity or Polygondwanaland. That said their next album 'Changes' is supposed to be really tight and considered so can't wait to see your review of that one too!

Since you're a hip-hop fan, you should check out omnium gatherum. They have two songs on that album, which are their first foray in the hip hop direction. Also starts with a 16 minute mind melting song.

just got into The Dead and Phish over the past year or so and cant get enough of them, im 21 and ive been a hip hop head my whole life. My friend just got me into King Gizzard and i was just telling him the other day i see some similarities between Phish and King Gizzard. Love the new album and they also just dropped a new 2 song EP that is really enjoyable

Skye, I've been waiting to see some thoughts about this album -- I can't stop listening to it and can't believe I haven't seen more discourse on it. Thanks for your commentary. I really appreciate the way you approach this music and these videos.

I actually went to one of their October shows in Van and really recommend going to a gizz show if you can (whoever is reading this). Seeing Stu paying the flute is incredible in and of itself. lol

Dude, I just saw KGALW at Red Rocks and I will just say, drop everything and get to Denver for the November show. It was an absolutely beautiful event. They are in their element on stage. Very jam-bandesque for sure. The way their concert flowed from song to song, transitioning from one song to the next so fluidly. Starting a track, going into another track, the back into the first track. Jamming out on songs for 10 minutes at a time and really just feeling one another. I'm an avid concert junkie, Ive seen at least 50 shows/concerts this year alone (from vaporwave at the knockdown center in new york, to george porter jr in new orleans, to techno, hardcore electronica, rock, psyche, punk, hip hop, rap etc.) and let me tell you, they are at their peak right now and I wouldn't miss it if I were you. I used to be a big deadhead, not really much anymore honestly. I've always really searched for the fringe artist and experimental artist. That's what brought me to the dead. I was born in 1993 so I never saw jerry, but Ive listened to a lot of their shows and I've seen dead and co 4 times and bob weir a few times. That being said, I think they are kind of in the same vein as a jam band, but I wouldn't put them in that category personally. Mainly due to the fact that they are more than that and I wouldn't want to pigeonhole them. They genuinely kick ass.

I appreciate your breakdown of what makes a jam band. I find that most bands that are agreed upon as “jam bands” are not for me. I’ve tried to really place what quality it is that doesn’t resonate with me, but it’s hard to pin down since many “jam bands” are actually quite different, sorta like you describe on the Dead-Phish continuum. The thing is, I love Gizz with all my heart. Maybe because the “jammier” stuff is just a part of their toolbox. It’s hard for me to classify them as a jam band, but I’m not sure if that’s because they are indeed a different kind of band, or if I just associate “jam” with stuff I don’t like. I haven’t figured out the answer to that yet, but I will definitely have to consider your jam band framework in my thought process while working through this problem in the future. Thanks for the vid, Prof!

Does KGATLW ever do anything bad? Not really. BTW their ouroboros of albums, Nonagon Infinity, just went Platinum!

Been a fan for 5-6 years now, started with Mind Fuzz and Nonagon Infinity, grew to love Sketches, Papermache Dream Balloon, and Gumboot Soup. This October was the first time I ever heard KG live, it was... insane. It was like you said, it was like a serious high. Surrounded by my best friends, listening to a band that visibly fed off the vibes. It was an awesome set, loved it to pieces and I wish I could afford to chase them all around the world and back to Australia.

I personally love Gizz lyrics. Yea they are a bit campy but thats what makes it great.

2/15/73 is fantastic. Phish is much more of a party and I resisted them for a long time on their Zappa-esque randomness and silliness alone. I would argue that The Grateful Dead had a couple of fantastic lyricists. I love Phish and I've seen them a dozen or so times, but for me they don't have enough of the emotional balance that The Grateful Dead had.

The videos for The Land Befor Timeland, Hypertension and Smoke & Mirrors all include the countdown clock as an overlay to what is just a visualizer style video..

Part way through the video I was inspired to write some long winded comment expressing all the ways that I really like this video. Then I listened to Mycelium again more closely are remembered the video of close /listening/. I'm so caught up in other aspects of my life that I forget to appreciate art in its full capacity most times. This makes me want to learn more about music. I love it. Thank you.

GIZZGUZZLER

It may be a stupidly broad question, but I’d be dying to know what your top book recommendations would be for a college student with far too few humanities classes in his schedule. I think it’s hard for students to discern which books are worth what little time they have to read them, and I’d love to know your take. Also, love the video as always. If these videos were a class, I’d have probably taken it more than once by now.

It feels like King Gizzard with Cavs as the only drummer is kinda going through the same transitional period as the Grateful Dead after Mickey left and the possibilities for taking a jam somewhere really opened up. Musically there are obviously a lot of differences between the two bands, but tracks like The River developing new themes and being stretched to 20 minutes this past tour is pretty much identical to how The Other One, Dark Star and Playin' matured into jam vehicles that go somewhere completely different every night on the Europe 72 tour exactly 50 years ago. As a drummer myself, Bill Keutzmann is my favorite drummer of all time because of his ability to take control in a jam and really push the rest of the band where he wants them to be, as well as his amazing, almost melodic ride cymbal driven playing during solos. Both of these things are something the remaining King Gizzard drummer is really good at as well and it certainly helps the music I'm very excited to see them develop as a band in the coming years, and it wouldn't surprise me if in 50 years there will be people having an argument over if The River from 19-6-2022 is the best ever or if 2023 versions are better, just like we still do for the dead. Oh yeah and before I forget, 3/24/1973 for your favorite Dead show question, there's really nothing like early 73 imo

Fantastic video, thank you very much Prof!!

I’ve been more excited for this video than the album itself.

I can be a very obsessive person, and so I've decided to only give attention to the first 20 KGLW albums- Everything after this I could only hear at a live show. I appreciate that you are sharing your perspective on this music I won't listen to. Aside from this October Trio of albums, there will be one more this year to make a new Pentet, and I'm interested to compare the 2022 Pentet and the 2017 Pentet. The band is indeed all vegan, very astute.

I’m with you on everything except the harmonica. Don’t want more of it, but where they use it, it works for me.

omg ur doing the good stuff again

Better? What kind of competition would be held in order to determine who is better?

I bet you could get one of the members to do an interview if you ever wanted. Especially Stu and Ambrose have been good about talking to fans

saw Kind Gizzard a few weeks ago in Seattle, they put on a really really good show

I was just listening to this one in the morning , you got perfect timing ! 👍

I'd be really curious what your thoughts are on the new RHCP album Return of the Cosmic Canteen since King Gizzard's lyrics so much.

I caught both that Phish 92 Orpheum show and the 91 and 93 Boston Dead run. I tend to see King Gizzard as singular among jam bands. They are a bit like early Phish with their tight compositions, but early Phish seemed to be focused on Trey's guitar playing as opposed to a more group centered jam style. Neither King Gizzard or Phish could flirt with the howling void like the Dead could, especially in 1972-1974.

You seriously took the words out of my mouth! I'm at least glad I don't have to be the one to propose this, because I felt it needed to be said! I just saw KGLW for the first time at Red Rocks both nights, and going to the third night as well. Just saw Phish at Dick's for the first time in 20 years. While all the shows were amazing, KGLW is the best jam band ever, nuf said!

There really is no debate, their volume of work is already overshadowing so many other bands.

Brilliant summary! I tried multiple times to get into Dead, but failed. Phish I get, especially their earlier days. Perhaps I'm leaning to the nerd side ? KGLW is the coolest musical phenomenon in decades ❤️

Would love to see what you think of Made in Timeland and Laminated Denim

I love this loose, essay form

Hey Professor, there's an album by Charlotte emcee Mavi, "Laughing so Hard, it Hurts" that I think you might enjoy. He was featured on Earl's FEET OF CLAY EP a few years back ETA: Open Mike Eagle also just released an album and mentions Biz Markie too

The term "jam band" being associated with King Gizz is very new. It sounds weird to hear them grouped in with modern jam bands, although with the way their live shows have evolved I can see why. During the mid 2010s they were mostly associated with lofi psychedelic garage rock. Yes they always had a jammy side, such as on Quarters, but with their fans there was very little overlap with the jam band crowds. In 2017 they started exploring more proggy stuff and it's been consistent genre-hopping on albums since, each one probably drawing in a bit of fans from those respective musical backgrounds. In the Gizz shows I've seen this year, there was definitely a bigger contingent of jamband fans but you get still get a mix of people that come from more of the garage rock or even metal side of things (based on band T-shirts I saw and the few people I chatted with).

my name is Gumbo Gary and i'm here to endorse this message

I find it hilarious that people are saying it’s psychedelic rock not a jam band. All jam bands play psychedelic rock. King Gizzard Jams (improvises during a song for an extended period) so they can def be called a jam band.

I'm 67, hugely into music through many phases including 60s pop and rock, prog rock, punk, 80s, alt rock. There are a couple of essential jam bands that emerged from the prog scene in Europe--Gong (multinational, but led by an Australian!) and Can (German)--that may have provided the Gizz some inspiration. Like Gong's space-rock, King Gizz constructed a whimsical mythology called the Gizzverse--although it seems to have played out in recent years. But the German influences are even more overt. Much of their earlier music featured the "motorik" beat popularized by Neu--another krautrock influence. I think it's no coincidence that their KZfaq channel recently featured release of "a neu can of demos". (Btw, "Iron Lung" seems to me VERY Can-influenced.) I think of the Gizz as a postpunk and postprog jam band. They're capable of pummeling with garage rock or thrash metal, or chilling with jazzy dream pop--while exploring microtonal tunings, or rotating through musical modes. I just saw both shows at Red Rocks, a bucket list experience, and I came away with the realization that I had finally become a jam band fanatic. I had never much cared for jam bands, wanting music that was more challenging, not locked into any genre, dynamic, melodic (Gizz music is full of hooks), and with a terrific sense humor. In 55 years of music listening, King Gizz has given me more music I've loved than any other band.

I don't think Hell's Itch is simply about a sun burn. I think it's a spiritual successor to Self Immolate from Infest The Rat's Nest. "I'd slice my skin to get within. Lacerate my own linchpin. Nominate my next of kin. Destroy myself with no chagrin." Themes of self mutilation and and self destruction.

I don’t agree with the whole “meaningless words” thing in relation to the Grateful💀Dead. Or was that a comment on Phish?

I am a KGLW fan w/o being either a Dead or Phish fan. I'll listen to both, but only truly love my Gizz boys.

Waiting for this one!

As to the crossover of the communities, I saw 64 Dead shows (all with Jerry), have seen 13 Phish shows (so far), and I will be in Detroit tomorrow for my third KGATLW show. So yes, there is overlap. Multiple Radiohead shows and tickets for The Smile later this year, and I am a vegetarian so I guess you pretty much have me figured out.🤷🏼

best reviewer out there ngl

Iron Lung is my fave from the album, for me it was very tight and enjoyable. I listened to the whole album while on a long walk. Very enjoyable.

I saw them at the Greek a few weeks ago! It was absolutely amazing they ROCKED the Greek best show I’ve been to sooooo farrrr!

Love love love this vid/review! Ok, agree with 98%, and only disagree with a very mild 2% haha! Great job, and thanks for sharing! Liked and subscribed!

If you don’t go to RR in Nov. You are doing yourself a disservice, if you can get tickets. You will come thru the Nonagon a different person. - Everytime I go to a show, I’m completely changed and more in love with KGLW

What's happened is that KGLW has set their sights on BEING A JAM BAND like they did with BEING A THRASH METAL BAND and BEING A PROG ROCK BAND and BEING A JAZZ BAND and BEING A GARAGE BAND and BEING A PSYCH ROCK BAND...etc. Their strength is that they can do f'ing anything.

How do they compare with Ozric Tentacles?

For whatever reason there's something about KGLW that reminds me of moe. I think it's their willingness to blend genre and while moe. isnt' as experimental as they once were maybe they were creative as well with things they would choose to use etc. They are certainly well deserving of being in the conversation as one of the best to have done it.

Seeing gizz for the 10th time in Melbourne in December, the only band that I regularly see everytime and always get a different set

Really wish I could see KGLW at Red Rocks

if you enjoyed the jammyness of this album, youll love laminated denim. in regards to you opinions on harmonica, in my opinion Ambrose Kenny Smith (the member who play it) is one of the greatest harmonica players, his father is actually blues and country rock musician, Broderick Smith, to say the harmonica runs in the family is an understatement, Broderick actually narrates the second studio gizz album "Eyes like the sky", its a fairly underrated album in the fandom but its a great little western audiobook

Did you not care for the Alex G album from earlier this year? Seems like an album you would have enjoyed.

Review more kglw. going to see them at red rocks in november very excited

King Gizzard do seem to be following in a similar trajectory to the Dead and Phish, in that they have cultivated their own very devoted following. But, as some who loves both the Dead and Phish, King Gizzard have something they don't: an incredibly solid collection of records that aren't jammy at all. They have a deeper catalog of good studio material than either the Dead or Phish (even if I think the Dead also have pretty great traditional songs too).

Check out Goose; they use a gong fairly often too.

Prof, take the whole family, obviously.

I went to the 10/11 show at the red rocks. It was the best show I have ever been too in my life.

"Gizz Guzzler" is the best name I have ever heard hahahaha. Also, nobody was resquesting this album because we were so busy listening to all of the 3 new albums!

I always thought they were more prog-rock due to the technical brilliance and how tight they are.

Dead/Phish-head for years, keep trying to listen to these guys, but they haven't caught on yet. They usually sound annoying, but I'll try some more. lol (The lyrics matter man!)

The short name for IDPLMA is Ice Death. Short & Sweet. Ice Death. 😊

Agree with the love for King Gizzard. They have put out a lot of stuff that has been extremely refreshing to listen to. However, I went to see them live back in 2019 I believe, and was completely underwhelmed to be honest. They seemed to play all their more metal stuff, which is not what I listen to them for. Mabye it was an off show? I would go check them out again anyway because they are obviously super talented.

I know it’s a clickbaity title meant to incite, but I think the KGLW vs Phish/Dead is just silly. Phish and the Dead aren’t just the best at what they do, they’re the only ones who do what they do. If you can find me a KGLW that can morph into something like Riverport Gin or really anything that can touch some of the Type II jams that are the reason they’re so beloved. KGLW are incredible and dynamic musicians but they just don’t “jam” on anything approaching what Phish does.

As a big Phish and somewhat Dead fan, I appreciate this video. I tried getting into KG prior and just couldn't get into them for whatever reason. But after watching this vid, I went and checked out their new stuff, which I really dig! Not sure if I think they are right in the middle of Phish and the GD. I think both Phish and GD are more accessible to the average person than KG is.

As a Gizz Guzzler, I can understand thinking the lyrics aren’t too great. I love ‘em but for sure they are not for everyone. I like your personal insight overall, very cool stuff.

I’d love to hear your perspective on EDEN’s new album “ICYMI”

I liked your video but I don’t think you gave Robert Hunter (particularly) and Perry Barlow (secondarily) enough credit for their brilliant and timeless lyricism. I just saw Gizz Monday night at Red Rocks and it was a blast! That said, jamming seemed to be secondary to volume and variety of songs played. What I think is exciting about Gizz is that they are entirely unique and true to their own style. I feel the same about Billy Strings. I also love Goose but their style is derivative. I’ll close by saying Phish is my favorite band that’s still playing and The Grateful Dead is my favorite band of all time. I don’t think that Gizz fits into this jam band dichotomy, they are something different and that’s why I love them.

I had to turn it off when he said that there was a general low emphasis on lyricism in so-called jammed band music. The Dead's lyrics are great. As for low emphasis on composition, Phish has some incredibly elaborate compositions.

I am, indeed, a Gizz-Guzzler.