After delving into the depths of heavy metal darkness on
PetroDragonic Apocalypse
,
King Gizzard
's next move was to ditch guitars entirely and jump keys first into the world of synthesizers. Inspired by the purchase of a set of vintage electronic drums, the group gathered all their collective synths in the studio and began working on a batch of songs. Inspired by the bubbling disco of early
Donna Summer
songs -- as produced by
Giorgio Moroder
-- and the slamming techno of '90s acts like
Technotronic
, the band head off into mostly uncharted territory for them on
The Silver Cord
. Along the way they show some of the sure-handed experimentalism they usually employ -- and did to great effect on their previous foray into electronic sounds with
Butterfly 3000
. "Theia" has a majestic melody that is well-matched with the chattering electronic hi-hats and swooning synth pads, while the synths on "Chang'e" glimmer and shine in wonderful harmony. [
was released in two different editions: one with the songs edited to around four minutes each, and one with the songs stretching out over the ten-minute mark.] ~ Tim Sendra