Flaming Lips Take a Dark Turn

Described as a “free-form jam” by frontman Wayne Coyne, “Embryonic” provides a listening experience of distorted grooves, chaotic synthesizers and spacey ambiance. Unlike previous releases, such as “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” and “At War with the Mystics,” the new record lacks the cleaned up feel of a structured and well-produced album. That’s deliberate of course. Why would a band with roots so deeply embedded in psychedelic experimentation repeat themselves or follow commercial formula? They simply evolve.

Unusual guest appearances include German mathematician Thorsten Wormann, who raises eyebrows with his contributions. An author and instructor of mathematics at the University of Bonn, Wormann is as dynamic as the band hosting him.

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs also makes a couple of appearances consisting of tongue clicks on “Gemini Syringes” and animal impersonations on “I Can Be a Frog.” O’s contributions are minimal and used as a sales gimmick. Apparently animal impersonations on an answering machine are quite appealing to all those young hipsters looking for a reason to buy a new album.

The opening track, “Convinced of the Hex,” offers a taste of things to come with its machine-like sound effects and distorted beats. Thoughts of Jim Morrison and “Year Zero” era Nine Inch Nails come to mind when absorbing this psychedelic onslaught. From beginning to end, this song is a definite statement from The Flaming Lips that this will be a dark album.

“Powerless” is the highlight of “Embryonic.” This track is one of the most creative and innovative tracks in The Flaming Lips catalog. Starting out with a simple beat and dramatic bass riff, this experimental cut intensifies with darkness as it continues. Most addicting, however, is the sound of distorted sitar over a horn-like effect that can be heard scattered throughout. Simply groundbreaking.

Wrapping up “Embryonic” is “Watching the Planets,” the track used to sell the album. Played at numerous media appearances, this track consists of repetitious vocals over a distorted industrial beat dotted with an angelic harp-like melody. This tune is an example of bad vocals destroying an otherwise great instrumental.

“Embryonic” will be a gem to some and a bore to others. The instrumentals are quite impressive from a conceptual standpoint. Unfortunately, the average listeners won’t have the patience to discover the true beauty behind this musical experience in its entirety. Old school Flaming Lips fans will cherish this release. Recommended for fans of Pink Floyd, Mogwai, Nine Inch Nails, David Bowie and Godspeed.
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