The Flaming Lips – At War With The Mystics (Warners)

This time, “something new again” is what we've been promised by more than one member of The Flaming Lips. In case you've been lost in space for eight years, '...Mystics' is the final installment of the trilogy which began with 1998's 'The Soft Bulletin' and blossomed into 2003's 'Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots'. For those wondering where the Flips could possibly go after the latter, the answer is...backwards and, confusingly, forwards. If the idea of Curtis Mayfield re-imagining The Carpenters (with NERD) doesn't appeal, leave 'Free Radicals', 'The WAND' and, frankly, this whole album well alone. Blistering spaceprog wig-outs, monstrously overloaded drums and Wayne Coyne's sublimely beatific worldview combine on a wildly ambitious album that fills your soul with flames and glitter. We are powerless. Repent!

Charlie Ivens