The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

One thing I love about The Flaming Lips is that, unlike bands such as Coldplay, or – dare I say it – Muse, whose albums all sound disappointingly similar, each album has its own unique style to it. Embryonic is no exception.

The latest effort by the Oklahoma-based alternative rock band sees the group move into darker territory. The songs have an edginess to them reminiscent of earlier album Transmissions from the Satellite Heart yet also possess a gentle quality that is at times incredibly emotive, not forgetting the psychedelic randomness the Lips are famous for.

The opening two songs display a sense of pumping raw urgency, propelling listeners straight into this more sinister of albums. This theme continues, broken by the slower paced yet encouraging sounds of songs such as 'Gemini Syringes' and the bleak tones of 'I Can Be A Frog'. Once again, the Flaming Lips manage to sing about a depressing subject in a positive way – listen out for lyrics such as “people are evil, it’s true” on song 'If'. The final track on this 18-song CD completes the album with a return to the almost threatening tones of the opening songs.

Unfortunately, however, The Flaming Lips have always been somewhat of an acquired taste. With music that is far from mainstream, those new to the band could easily be put off by the seven minute songs that seem to lose their way halfway through and the challenging, harsh clashes in songs such as 'Scorpio Sword'. Nevertheless, Embryonic is undeniably the work of a talented band. Fans will not be disappointed, but for new listeners I suggest the decidedly more cheerful tones of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

The Flaming Lips play Manchester Academy on 16/11/09. Embryonic is also available as a deluxe limited edition 2CD/DVD disc box, which, in typical Flaming Lips fashion, is covered in fur.

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