The Flaming Lips: Embryonic

Artist: The Flaming Lips
Album: Embryonic
Date Released: October 13, 2009
Genre: indie rock, alternative rock
Rating: 8.2

Embryonic is a surprising and welcome return to form for these beloved freak-rockers. And by return to form I'm not talking Yoshimi -- Wayne Coyne and company have taken inspiration from earlier periods in their storied history.

The Flaming Lips have put aside the glitter and sparkle for this one, replacing it with some lo-fi atmosphere, tons of reverb and many shades of grey. That's not to say the album is gloomy -- quite the contrary. The track "I Can Be a Frog" (which features Karen O of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs) should put a smile on anybody's face.

Sound design and acoustics have replaced melody and sheen; On Embryonic, The Flaming Lips are wild and rowdy -- and at times even a bit jazzy. Embryonic is complex, noisy and experimental, making repeated listens a rewarding experience.