A REGAL NEW RELEASE FOR THE FLAMING LIPS
Wayne Coyne and co team up with The Clash’s Mick Jones on their arty 15th studio album.
The Flaming Lips’ King’s Mouth is out on July 19 via Bella Union, and it grew from an art installation inspired by wild gatherings. Frontperson Wayne Coyne explains, “We’d throw these elaborate, insane, druggy, adult parties at The Flaming Lips’ gallery in Oklahoma City, and we sort of fashioned this face which became known as ‘the King’ which people could crawl into.”
The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore had the idea of turning these happenings into a more family-friendly exhibition with The Flaming Lips’ music and visuals. A surreal immersive installation followed in 2015 and Coyne’s narrative-led artworks eventually became the inspiration for new songs. A punk legend was even invited to collaborate on what would become the album. “I think when we got Mick Jones to do the narration, that really kicked it into being something spectacular!” says Coyne.
So what’s it about then? “It’s about this king whose mind is connected to the magic of the universe. After his death, his mind is still connected, and so we get to see the magic of the universe through his dead head.”
Coyne is adamant there’s nothing political about the record. “Our king isn’t a reflection or a reaction to Donald Trump; my reaction to Donald Trump is, I don’t give a fuck.”
The Flaming Lips will be back in the UK in September to play The Soft Bulletin in its entirety to mark its 20th anniversary, although Wayne’s tight-lipped about what surprises might lay in store. “What I will say is that it’ll be an insanely spectacular, big, bright show that’s full of fun and love, even though we’re doing what some consider a sombre record.”
The band play Edinburgh’s Usher Hall (5), Manchester Academy (6) and London’s O2 Academy Brixton (7). For more, visit www.flaminglips.com. JA