Photo Review: The Flaming Lips at Merriweather

Photos by Chrissy

A little band from Oklahoma dominated Merriweather Post Pavilion Friday night, littering Symphony Woods with confetti and pure joy. If you've ever seen the Flaming Lips live, you'd know that words are hardly the means for depicting their show. However, Chrissy's photo set above does the spectacle some justice.

The show began by the group walking out of a giant woman's ladyparts, and Wayne Coyne doing his signature hamster ball styled crowd surfing. All the staples were played, some of which were slowed down to maximize on the crowd's participation in singing along. A true feel good affair all around.

They rocked a pretty great setlist, that included some fresh tunes that will be found on their new album. Embryonic hits speakers and headphones October 13th via Warner, and based off the new stuff played Friday night one should expect a darker and even more psychedelic sound than past efforts.

I've been told that every Flaming Lips show is performed like they are playing their very last concert, never feeling like a routine. Friday night proved no different, and perhaps the band was in such good spirits due to visiting one of the areas best sushi spots beforehand, Sushi Sono. Whatever the case may be, the Flaming Lips are clearly one of the more consistently epic performers of our time.

Ticket Giveaway: The Flaming Lips at Merriweather

Yes indeed, the Flaming Lips are descending upon the suburban Maryland woods of Merriweather Post Pavillion this summer. They headline the amphitheater August 28th, with Explosions in the Sky teaming up the bill.

Do I even need to describe the 20-plus years of psychedelic space rock the Flaming Lips have provided? Probably not. The band is on the verge of releasing their new LP Embryonic, a double disc that promises to leave nothing out. Head over to Pasta Prima to download "Convinced of the Hex" and "Silver Trembling Hands", two fantastic new tracks from the upcoming record.

Those who have seen Wayne Coyne roll around the crowd in his giant hamster ball are aware that these guys spare no expense when putting on a live show. And a tour in preparation of releasing one of their most ambitious works in almost 30 years of records is certainly cause for some elaborate theatrics. Confetti, fireworks, Wayne Coyne teleporting before your very eyes... anything is fair game folks.

Explosions in the Sky have completely mastered post-rock. This Austin based instrumental group are a truly cinematic experience, with rock and roll journey's that build to epic highs and emotional lows. A pretty much perfect accoutrement to spending your late summer Friday evening in the Merriweather lawn with some cold beverages.

This show is clearly a not-miss, and I have a free pair of passes to give away to a lucky reader. Email your plea to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com if you are interested in the tickets. I'll pick a winner on August 17th, so be sure to check your inbox then.