King Gizzard: Polygondwanaland Vaporwave Remix - POLYWΛVΣ
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the wild world of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, but with a twist? We're talking about POLYWΛVΣ, a mind-bending vaporwave remix of their critically acclaimed album, Polygondwanaland. If you're a fan of experimental music, psychedelic vibes, or just love a good remix, you're in for a treat. This isn't just your average remix album; it's a complete reimagining of the original, drenched in the hazy, nostalgic sounds of vaporwave. Let's explore what makes this remix so unique and why it’s a must-listen for any King Gizzard enthusiast or vaporwave aficionado.
What is Polygondwanaland?
Before we delve into the vaporwave transformation, let’s quickly recap what makes Polygondwanaland such a standout album in King Gizzard's discography. Released in 2017, Polygondwanaland is a progressive rock masterpiece that showcases the band's incredible musicianship and experimental spirit. The album is characterized by its complex polyrhythms, intricate song structures, and a captivating blend of psychedelic rock, progressive metal, and even elements of jazz. What’s even more remarkable is that King Gizzard released the album into the public domain, encouraging fans and other artists to create their own versions, remixes, and adaptations. This act of musical generosity has fostered a vibrant community around the album, leading to countless creative interpretations, including the vaporwave remix we're discussing today.
Polygondwanaland is not just an album; it’s an experience. Each track takes you on a sonic journey, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected musical detours. The album's themes touch on ancient civilizations, mythical lands, and the cyclical nature of time, adding a layer of depth to the already intricate music. If you haven't listened to the original, I highly recommend giving it a spin. It's a wild ride, but one that's incredibly rewarding. Understanding the complexity and originality of Polygondwanaland will only enhance your appreciation for the vaporwave remix, POLYWΛVΣ.
The original Polygondwanaland stands out for several reasons. Firstly, its intricate polyrhythms and complex time signatures are a hallmark of the band's progressive rock influences. The drumming, in particular, is a standout feature, with dual drummers creating a dense and hypnotic rhythmic tapestry. Secondly, the album's guitar work is incredibly diverse, ranging from heavy, distorted riffs to delicate, psychedelic melodies. The use of microtonal tunings, a signature element in King Gizzard's sound, adds an otherworldly quality to the music. Finally, the album's conceptual themes, which delve into ancient history and mythology, provide a rich narrative backdrop for the music. Polygondwanaland is a testament to King Gizzard's adventurous spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of genre and form.
Enter Vaporwave: The POLYWΛVΣ Transformation
Now, let's talk about POLYWΛVΣ. Imagine taking the intricate, high-energy compositions of Polygondwanaland and slowing them down, adding layers of dreamy synths, and bathing everything in a nostalgic, lo-fi aesthetic. That's essentially what this vaporwave remix achieves. Vaporwave, for those unfamiliar, is a genre that emerged in the early 2010s, characterized by its use of slowed-down and chopped samples, often from 80s and 90s pop music, advertisements, and elevator music. It's a genre that's both nostalgic and futuristic, often evoking a sense of longing for a past that never quite existed.
POLYWΛVΣ takes the core elements of Polygondwanaland – the complex rhythms, the soaring melodies, the psychedelic atmosphere – and transforms them into something entirely new. The tracks are stretched and slowed, creating a hazy, dreamlike soundscape. Synths shimmer and swell, adding layers of texture and atmosphere. The overall effect is both mesmerizing and disorienting, like wandering through a forgotten shopping mall in a neon-lit dream. The remix highlights the underlying melodies and harmonies of the original tracks, often buried beneath the frenetic energy of the original recordings. In POLYWΛVΣ, these melodic fragments rise to the surface, creating a sense of melancholic beauty.
The beauty of this remix lies in its juxtaposition of the original's intensity with vaporwave's inherent chill. The familiar riffs and rhythms of Polygondwanaland are still present, but they're filtered through a hazy, dreamlike lens. This creates a unique listening experience that's both familiar and alien. It's like hearing your favorite song played underwater, or through a vintage cassette tape that's been slightly warped. The vaporwave treatment adds a layer of emotional depth to the music, transforming the original's energetic exuberance into a more introspective and contemplative mood. If you're looking for a way to experience Polygondwanaland in a completely new light, POLYWΛVΣ is definitely worth checking out.
Key Tracks and Standout Moments
While the entire remix album is a cohesive experience, there are certain tracks and moments that really shine. One standout is the vaporwave rendition of “Crumbling Castle.” The original is an epic, multi-part suite that showcases King Gizzard's progressive rock prowess. In the remix, the song is slowed to a crawl, its intricate melodies stretched and warped. The result is a haunting, ethereal soundscape that's both beautiful and unsettling. The familiar motifs of the original are still present, but they're transformed into something new and strange. It’s a testament to the power of vaporwave to reshape and reimagine existing music.
Another highlight is the remix of “The Fourth Colour.” The original is a high-energy rocker with a driving rhythm and catchy melodies. The vaporwave version slows things down considerably, giving the song a more introspective and melancholic feel. The synths shimmer and swirl, creating a dreamy atmosphere that's perfect for late-night listening. The remix highlights the song's underlying harmonies and melodies, revealing a hidden layer of beauty that's often obscured by the original's frenetic energy. This track exemplifies how POLYWΛVΣ can transform even the most energetic songs into something serene and contemplative.
Don't skip the remix of “Inner Cell,” either. In its original form, “Inner Cell” is a dynamic track with complex instrumental sections and a driving beat. The vaporwave remix reimagines it as a dreamy, atmospheric piece. The slowed-down tempo and lush synthesizers create a soundscape that's both nostalgic and futuristic. It's a perfect example of how vaporwave can take familiar elements and create something entirely new. Throughout POLYWΛVΣ, you'll find these moments of unexpected beauty and transformation, making it a truly rewarding listening experience. Each track offers a new perspective on the original Polygondwanaland compositions, revealing hidden depths and textures that you might have missed before.
Why You Should Listen to POLYWΛVΣ
So, why should you give POLYWΛVΣ a listen? Well, if you're a fan of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, it's a fascinating way to experience their music in a completely new context. It's like revisiting a familiar landscape through a different set of eyes. The vaporwave remix brings out different aspects of the original compositions, highlighting melodies and harmonies that might have been overshadowed by the original's intensity. It's a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of Polygondwanaland in a fresh and unexpected way. Plus, it's just plain cool to hear how these intricate rock songs translate into the hazy, dreamlike world of vaporwave.
Even if you're not a die-hard King Gizzard fan, POLYWΛVΣ is worth exploring if you're interested in experimental music or vaporwave in general. It's a unique and ambitious project that pushes the boundaries of both genres. The remix is both a tribute to and a reimagining of the original material, showcasing the creative potential of musical collaboration and adaptation. It's a reminder that music is a living, breathing thing, capable of endless transformation and reinvention. And let's be honest, the combination of King Gizzard's progressive rock complexity with vaporwave's nostalgic vibes is just a killer combo. It's the kind of thing that makes you say,