Released: 2025
Genres: Symphonic Rock, Jazz Fusion, Southern Rock, Baroque Pop
The Musiquarium’s Phantom Island Review Score: 7.5 out of 10
Continuing on with the seventies sound of its predecessor Flight b741, Phantom Island has King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard adding symphonic rock elements into the mix this time. Like their past two releases, this is another collaborative album where every member is credited to the music and where every member shares vocal duties.
The opening title track and lead single recalls the funky theme songs of movies like Shaft or television series like Starsky & Hutch, or something from the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack. Deadstick is very reminiscent of the southern rock of Flight b741 (the pigs and airship from that album even make an appearance on this album cover), though that influence weaves itself sporadically throughout the entire album. The soulful Silent Spirit is a highlight, that has a Young Americans / Station to Station Thin White Duke era David Bowie vibe.
Like its predecessor, Phantom Island isn’t the most remarkable King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard album, though the musicianship remains impeccable. The band remains restlessly ambitious, even 27 albums later.
For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard on Discogs.
Back to the 2025 Album Reviews Guide or the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Album Reviews page.
Written by Brett Nippard
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