7/10

When we first heard that Australian psych-rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard were going to release five studio albums this year, we honestly thought they weren't going to make it. But out of nowhere, the band have now dropped their third instalment of the year and have taken a slightly different direction this time round. Recorded in collaboration with Mild High Club, the record is far more jazz-based than anything we have heard from them before, but still makes for an intriguing listen.

While their previous works to date often dwell in the strange and unusual when it comes to content, 'Sketches Of Brunswick East' is a far more, dare I say it, restrained release from the outfit. Opting for this laid-back groove, the meanders its way through the release, the album prefers itself as more of a lounge-listen than anything else. Creating this harmonious transition from track to track, we get to hear the band experiment with a new direction, and one that seems to suit their usually odd disposition.

You'd think that they would have run out of momentum by now, but King Gizzard are still throwing up some serious surprises here. It may not have that instant engagement that some of their previous full-lengths managed, but still makes for a thoroughly enjoyable listen.