Tuesday nights don’t usually scream “psychedelic rock adventure,” but this week was the exception. I found myself at The Criterion in Oklahoma City, deep in the pit, soaking in the chaotic brilliance of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. It was an unforgettable night of trippy lights, genre-bending jams, and pure, unfiltered fan energy. This was likely King Gizzard’s second time in OKC, following their sold-out Halloween show in 2022. Tuesday night wasn’t quite sold out, but it came close, proving that the band’s Oklahoma fanbase is alive and thriving.

Opening the night was fellow Aussies King Stingray, who brought serious energy to the stage. Their set was vibrant and full of life, with the absolute highlight being the use of a didgeridoo. It was everything I’d hoped for and more- like, how do you make a wind instrument feel so rock ‘n’ roll? By the time King Gizz hit the stage, the crowd was primed and ready. The band wasted no time, diving straight into “Planet B” from their 2019 album Infest The Rats’ Nest. The heavy, relentless opener turned the pit into a swirling mass of bodies within seconds. And that’s the magic of King Gizzard- they throw you into their chaos, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, you feel completely at home.

For those unfamiliar, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard is a six-piece powerhouse from Melbourne, Australia, made up of Stu Mackenzie, Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Joey Walker, Cook Craig, Lucas Skinner, and Michael Cavanagh. Over the past decade, they’ve released an insane 26 studio albums- sometimes five in a single year. Their music defies categorization, bouncing effortlessly between psychedelic rock, jazz, metal, and even microtonal experiments. One of their most mind-blowing albums, Nonagon Infinity, is designed to loop endlessly, with the final track feeding seamlessly into the first. Add to that their commitment to sustainability, from releasing albums on recycled vinyl to promoting eco-conscious practices at their shows, and you’ve got a band that’s as innovative as they are prolific.

Midway through the set, they treated us to “Intrasport,” and let me tell you- it was a moment. Four band members gathered around a glowing synth table, each playing a part in creating this hypnotic, otherworldly sound. Watching them work together so seamlessly was mesmerizing. How they manage to remember all that material, especially across 26 albums, is beyond me.

And oh, the crowd- King Gizzard fans are an experience all their own. This fanbase is one of the most devoted I’ve ever seen, with people traveling from city to city to catch multiple shows on the same tour. Many fans organize pre-show meetups, turning these concerts into full-on events. The outfits? Next-level. A group wearing red clown noses was impossible to miss, especially as they crowd-surfed their way to the front during “Hypertension”. It’s not uncommon for King Gizz fans to show up in wild costumes, adding a layer of playful chaos to the already electrifying atmosphere.

Visually, the band didn’t hold back. Their light show was stunning, with vibrant colors and strobes perfectly synced to the music. Every song felt like a full-body sensory experience, thanks to the incredible interplay between sound and visuals. It’s clear this band puts as much thought into their production as they do their music.

The night ended with “The River” from their 2015 album Quarters!. This jazzy, sprawling track felt like the perfect closer- a moment for the crowd to breathe and reflect after the whirlwind of a set. It’s one of those songs that lingers with you, the kind you hum to yourself long after the amps have gone quiet.

If Tuesday night proved anything, it’s that King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are still pushing boundaries more than a decade into their career. Their self-produced albums and experimental release style allow them the creative freedom to churn out music at an astonishing pace, bypassing traditional industry rules. And let’s not forget, they’re currently in the middle of their 2024 world tour, which includes marathon three-hour sets, acoustic shows, and even an experimental rave set in San Francisco. The tour supports their latest album, The Silver Cord, another testament to their relentless creativity.

For OKC fans, this show was a reminder of why King Gizz has such a cult following. It was chaotic, colorful, and completely unforgettable. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate. Trust me, this is a band that delivers an experience, not just a concert.