As if there were no new direction for them to go into, alternative rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard found a way with their 27th album, Phantom Island, which arrives alongside an orchestral tour that includes an LA date at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 10. The Australian six-piece return to the venue after last playing in 2023, leaving a mark no less defined by the three-hour set that paled in comparison to the size of their discography. Tickets for the show start at $24, with seats still available and a fair amount of bonuses available on the day that you won’t want to miss.

A Bit of Something for Everyone

When it comes to the most prolific artists and bands working today, no one is creeping up on King Gizzard. The release of their latest album, Phantom Island, marks their 27th full-length studio project since their debut in 2012. For context, that’s at least an album a year with the exception of 2018.

Their near-impossible balance of quality and quantity reached its pinnacle in 2017, when King Gizzard dropped five albums. From the jazzy psych-pop of Flying Microtonal Banana to the vintage progressive rock of Polygondwanaland and everything in between, there are no genres that the band hasn’t experimented with at least once.

It’s a shining example of how eclectic their discography is, half-jokingly referred to as “The Gizzverse” by their fans, which speaks to the wide-ranging sounds they’ve explored throughout their career. Whether it’s collaborating with artists like Mild High Club or the straight thrash heard on Infest The Rats’ Nest, you never know what you’re going to get next.

Still Charting New Territory

For a band that’s made a habit of dipping their toes in every genre possible, it’s a testament to their staying power that their latest record finds ways to keep new listeners and dedicated fans on their toes.

Combining yacht rock sensibilities, jazz ensemble arrangements, and a meditative demeanor that stands in stark contrast to the rest of their catalog, Phantom Island is what happens when a group begins maturing with each other – never putting their previous material to shame yet building upon their strengths like a strange space wine fitting for the shape-shifting band.

It might seem like every new direction or sudden switch-up would alienate their cult-like following due to the whiplash of changing sounds. However, there’s no mistaking a King Gizzard album when you hear one. No matter how or when you first listened to them, their dedication to reinvention and A1 execution ensures each album keeps everyone on board.

Experience the Gizzverse with an Orchestra

Before 2025, King Gizzard on the road was something to behold. But in light of the new release, they’re going on an orchestral run, boasting a 29-piece orchestra – under the guidance of conductor Sarah Hicks – for each tour date. Aside from the fact that they have so many songs under their belt, it’s impossible to know what any given setlist might look like; the grand scale of Phantom Island calls for a bigger backing band and stage, as well.

With a stage like the Hollywood Bowl, the band is able to put on a show that can accommodate their cosmic proportions, which is only matched by their level of creativity. To put it simply, they didn’t earn the reputation of a “your favorite band’s band” group for nothing.

How To Make the Most of Your Experience

While there’s no denying King Gizzard and their orchestra will pack more than a punch, there’s more to the Aug. 10 concert. As part of KCRW Festival, expect to hear from DJ Crenshaw and host Tyler Boudreaux during the evening, with the show being one of three in their Sunday series.

Before gates open at 5:30 PM, wine and beer tastings will be available in the Plaza Marketplace of the Hollywood Bowl starting at 4:00 PM. Also, be on the lookout for exclusive merch from artist Justina Blakeney, whose capsule is dedicated to LA.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, be sure to plan your route before the day of the show. Although the show doesn’t start until 7:00 PM, it’s good to give yourself ample time to arrive around gate time at 5:30 PM. For more on how to get there, the Bowl has a dedicated page that includes shuttles and parking options.

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With half of the season left, there are plenty of shows on the horizon for the Hollywood Bowl that you might want to check out. Alabama Shakes will make their return to the stage after a long hiatus, with Shannon and the Clams joining them on Aug. 13. From Mexico, Los Aguilars bring their beloved Jaripeo: Hasta Los Huesos shows to the Bowl backed by an orchestra on August. 15 and 16; and did we mention there will be fireworks?! Fans of John Williams won’t want to miss Maestro of the Movies, a three-night affair featuring film score favorites, Aug. 22-24.