King’s Mouth Music And Songs
Warner, 2019
9/10
Listen to King’s Mouth Music And Songs
The Flaming Lips never do anything conventional, and this 15th album continues that trend with cinematic narration from Mick Jones, of The Clash, that soundtracks Wayne Coyne’s art installation, the aptly titled King’s Mouth.
“We Don’t Know How And We Don’t Know Why” starts the album with spoken word from Mick Jones on a spacey, ambient affair, and “The Sparrow” follows with Coyne’s raspy vocals alongside a bare acoustic, cosmic gem.
Elsewhere, “Mother Universe”recruits classical undertones amid an ethereal delivery, while the quirky “ “How Many Times” is part hushed, part soulful pop flavor.
The back half of the listen brings Jones back on the experimental and dense rock of “Funeral Parade”, and “Mouth Of The King”, also with Jones, elicits a sunnier approach of acoustic guitar prowess. “How Can A Head” finishes out the listen with a retro-pop, orchestral and anthemic feel, a completely stunning exit to the creative environment.
Much like their exceptional Yoshimi album, the tunes here tell a vivid story while delivering further proof that a band who have made an international impression with their iconoclastic version of neo-psychedelia, aberrant post-punk and prog-rock nods are clearly nowhere near running out of ideas.
Though concept albums at this level of skill might alienate a lot of listeners, King’s Mouth might actually be one of the most accessible albums in decades from Coyne and company.
Travels well with: Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here; Radiohead- The King Of Limbs