King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard‘s reputation for eclecticism and unrelenting energy was on full display at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, where they shared the stage with rising stars Geese for a night that was both electric and intimate.
Brooklyn-based band Geese opened the evening with a raw, youthful energy that drew the crowd in from the very first notes of “Islands of Men.” Their mix of art-rock and post-punk has clearly matured, as they seamlessly moved through tracks like “2122” and “Cowboy Nudes.” The highlight of their set came during “4D Country,” when the band abruptly stopped mid-song to assist a crowd member, showing not only their professionalism but a deep connection with the audience.
Despite the interruption, Geese didn’t lose momentum. Their performance of “Tomorrow’s Crusades” hit with heavy bass and swirling guitars, leaving the audience primed for what was to come. The band’s tight, yet experimental approach set the tone perfectly for the headliners.
As King Gizzard took the stage, the lights shifted, and the atmosphere in the Pacific Coliseum transformed. Opening with the fiery “Doom City,” the band wasted no time diving into their genre-defying catalog, a dizzying blend of psychedelia, prog, and garage rock. “Minimum Brain Size” followed, its infectious groove giving the crowd a moment to settle into the chaos.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came during “Nuclear Fusion” when a fan named Sherry was invited to sing the vocal intro, making the already unpredictable set even more unique. The band’s dynamic frontman, Joey Walker, paused before launching into “Pleura” to shout “Free Palestine,” adding a moment of political charge to the performance.
“Mars for the Rich” came with a nod to Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick,” a brief tease that sparked cheers from the crowd before the band launched into the full, raucous track. King Gizzard’s willingness to throw in surprises kept the crowd on edge, waiting for the next unexpected twist.
The middle of the set saw the band dive into fan-favorites like “Dragon” and “Flamethrower,” each track adding layers of intensity. “The Garden Goblin” and “Swan Song” provided moments of contrast, with more melodic interludes, allowing the audience to catch their breath before diving back into the heavier, more complex compositions.
By the time they reached “Set” and “Antarctica,” the energy in the room was palpable, the band creating a sonic landscape that transported the audience. “Rats in the Sky” was another standout, with its chaotic, swirling rhythms causing a frenzy among the crowd.
King Gizzard closed their set with “Iron Lung,” a slow-burning, progressive masterpiece that left the audience in awe. The song’s shifting dynamics and intricate layers provided the perfect end to a night that was both physically and emotionally exhausting in the best way possible.
From start to finish, this was a concert full of surprises, incredible musicianship, and a sense of community. Both Geese and King Gizzard showed why they are at the forefront of their respective scenes, and for the fans who witnessed it, this was a night that will be remembered for a long time.