Coming across a discography like that of the Australian psych-rock outfit can be, in simple terms, overwhelming. Since their formation in 2010, the ever-evolving band has been switching sonic terrains and releasing albums at a prolific rate, fearlessly marching into uncharted territories with no map, just lofty visions. With every experimentation from this band, like 2023’s doom metal LP PetroDragonic Apocalypse, comes a down-to-earth album centered around familiar textures, like the jam-band-style release Flight b741. Still, even when this band decides to take it easy on themselves conceptually, there is something alien about their approach, making even their most conventional albums sound alien. Every new fan of Gizz faces a tough decision: start from the very beginning of their colorful discography, or bounce around it, collecting nuggets of the larger picture that is this otherworldly outfit.
If you’re going with the latter and looking for a smooth transition into The Gizzverse, look no further than Paper Mâché Dream Balloon, the band’s seventh studio album. Recorded almost entirely with acoustic instruments, the 12-song album was released ten years ago on November 13, 2015. While this might not be the album diehard Gizz fans tell you to turn to when delving into the band, there is an intrinsic whimsy to Paper Mâché Dream Balloon that makes it a must-listen for any newcomer or anyone with a passing interest in acoustic pop-rock. The warmth that radiates from these songs is simply infectious, as Gizz injects an unassuming yet wildly entertaining slice of psych-pop bliss in the middle of their otherworldly discography.
While not the most critically acclaimed or commercially successful album in the Gizzverse, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon is not one you want to skip. The band employs wind instruments that complement the jangly acoustic drive of these songs, emphasizing the welcoming, minimalist atmosphere that makes them so memorable. Moments like the soaring “Dirt,” with its distant vocals that dance with nimble footwork, and the title track carry enough childlike wonder to turn a stoic man into a puddle of memories. It is in these more conventional songs that Gizz showcases their ability to craft pop hits, and their countless sonic experiments are out of a thirst for something new, not necessity. “Sense” is another stunning example of this lo-fi pop aesthetic, while “Bone” hints at a darker side of Paper Mâché Dream Balloon.
That eerie side is explored thoroughly on songs like “Time = Fate,” a highlight that examines the pitfalls of living in the past, and “Most of What I Like,” which poetically details feeling inadequate in a relationship. Gizz uses these vulnerable moments as an opportunity to add emotional dynamics to Paper Mâché Dream Balloon, forcing every lyric belted through the fuzzed-out effects to be felt wholeheartedly. “The Bitter Boogie” is a subtly twangy tune that personifies invasive feelings as a sleek groove, and “Trapdoor” sets the feeling of running away from your feelings to toe-tapping tempos.
Paper Mâché Dream Balloon acts as a hidden gem in a discography that shows no signs of slowing down. Gizz’s seventh studio LP was greeted with lukewarm reviews upon its release, with The Guardian and musicOMH giving it four out of five stars, and Clash ranking it a 7/10. While critics didn’t love the psychedelic melodies that deliver vague yet potent poetry over meditative acoustics, ten years later, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon stands proudly as a collection of head-spinning cuts from Gizz at a time when no one knew just how wide a lane this band would carve for themselves.
One Response
Great overview! I agree, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon is a fantastic entry point to King Gizzard. Its acoustic sound makes it accessible while still showcasing their unique songwriting. I’d also recommend exploring Flying Microtonal Banana later, as it highlights their experimental side effectively. Almost as good as playing Block Blast!