Sink To The Mechanical Beat

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard “Deadstick”

One of the most interesting aspects of the more recent King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard records for me is that all six members of the band take turns singing. Not in a “this is a Joey song, this is a Stu song, this is a Cooky song” way, but more in a rap posse cut way with different members jumping on the mic for different sections of the same song. It makes the songs more dynamic – different personalities, different vocal strengths, contrasting vibes.

Stu Mackenzie remains the focal point of the band and Joey Walker is a rock and roll leading man, but the breakout star is most definitely Ambrose Kenny-Smith. Amby is part soul man, part heavy metal trickster, all oomph. He’s essentially the Ol Dirty Bastard of KGLW, and a short list of top shelf King Gizz songs where he steals the show includes “Gila Monster,” “Le Risque,” “The Dripping Tap,” “Field of Vision,” “Hot Wax,” “Iron Lung,” and now “Deadstick.”

“Deadstick” is one of the most elaborately produced King Gizzard songs yet – a groovy rocker with 70s big band backing, like a more playful and carefree version of Steely Dan circa Countdown to Ecstasy and Pretzel Logic. Stu sets it off, Joey turns up the heat, and then Ambrose comes in like a fireball on the breakdown. He’s singing as a pilot trying to manage a crash landing, bringing panic and passion and a confident “let’s do this!” swagger as the song plummets to the ground. They’re calling him the Sully of rock.

Buy it from Bandcamp.