8/10

Already known as one of the most prolific bands working in the world today, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's output has begun to take on a more eclectic direction in recent years. After knocking out the LP's 'Fishing For Fishes' and 'Infest The Rat's Nest' in 2019, a glam-rock and heavy metal release respectively, they returned near the end of last year with 'K.G.' and 2021's 'L.W.', a pair of reflective offerings that saw them go back to their psych-rock roots. But with only a four-month gap since then, they are back once again with their eighteenth full-length 'Butterfly 3000', a record that sees them pursue a dreamier intention.

For a band to stay as consistently brilliant and creative as King Gizzard have been in recent years, exploring new ideas is the key and this new album seems to take that mantra to its furtherest point. While there are glimmers of the more traditional KG sound on here, the bulk of this release sits firmly in a dream-pop realm as they adopt a more sprawling and laid-back aesthetic throughout. Maintaining a more folksy and atmospheric guise, their newest work is a rich and vibrant collection of lightly produced cuts that more about personal exploration than looking to build on anything previously.

But somehow, despite never heading down this road very often, they are more than adept at delivering something wonderfully euphoric and enjoyable from start to finish. King Gizzard may still have their heart in the psych-rock world, but these last few years have shown their diverse side and it is creating plenty of surprises along the way.