Prolific Releases from King Gizzard Members
When your main band boasts 20 studio albums in just 12 years—along with three more on the way in the next six weeks—it feels somewhat excessive to also have a side project that includes five albums and two EPs. Yet, this is the reality for the exceptionally productive duo, Ambrose Kenny-Smith and Cook Craig of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, who are set to release their sixth album with the Murlocs, titled Rapscallion, on September 16 via ATO Records.
Balancing Multiple Musical Projects
For those of us who struggle to juggle everyday responsibilities, such a high output is astonishing. However, for Kenny-Smith and Craig, it’s simply part of their routine. Craig notes the differences in how the two bands operate: “Murlocs is more of a classic band, where everyone gets in a room and jams. King Gizzard has a more fragmented approach, with various people contributing to the songwriting.”
Collaborative Efforts in Uncertain Times
During the pandemic, while King Gizzard was involved in multiple projects, Craig and Kenny-Smith were delighted when Murlocs guitarist Callum Shortal presented them with impressive demos. Craig elaborates, “He hadn’t written much recently, but this time he came up with essentially an entire album.”
Storyline Inspired by Personal Experiences
Kenny-Smith crafted a cohesive narrative inspired by Shortal’s songs while being confined by Australia’s strict COVID regulations. He describes the storyline, which follows the album’s title character, as echoing his youth filled with skateboarding and hitchhiking. “The protagonist is an ‘ugly duckling’ from a small town who embarks on a series of adventures, encountering various characters along the way,” he explains.
Romance and Lessons Learned
As the character meets Peggy Mae, it becomes a story of infatuation and subsequent tragedy, culminating in a bittersweet ending where he learns from his mistakes. “It’s a cautionary tale,” Kenny-Smith states.
Musical Evolution in Rapscallion
Craig characterizes the sound of Rapscallion as “less jangly and garage-oriented” than earlier works, with a focus on fuzzier tones and tighter arrangements. The album draws inspiration from a variety of influences, including 90s bands and classic acts like Black Sabbath and the Pixies.
Upcoming Live Performances and Future Projects
Both Kenny-Smith and Craig express their excitement about performing Rapscallion live, but first, they need to get familiar with the new songs. Their upcoming North American tour begins on October 29. In addition to preparing for Murlocs’ material, they will also be readying new music from King Gizzard for live performance. Kenny-Smith humorously acknowledges the chaos of their schedule, stating that they are constantly experimenting with new ideas and that the band is never short of material.
