The Flaming Lips @ O2 Academy, 15 Nov

 

Perhaps even euphoria suffers from diminishing returns. That the Flaming Lips trade in such a sought-after commodity so successfully is certainly not a secret; gig attendees know to expect an aural and visual extravaganza that never falls below 'spectacular'. And it would be a hardened cynic who would dismiss showman-extraordinaire Wayne Coyne's 'love and peace for all' exhortations as anything other than earnest. However, the knowledge that the Lips live routine has been pretty steadfast over the past few years makes one wonder if the band are ever going to get bored of their own shtick ('cos I don't think the crowd will). The evidence offered by latest album Embryonic and presented tonight in the thrillingly edgy and wonderfully executed Convinced of the Hex and Evil suggest Coyne et al may have grown tired of permanent elation. But the darkness is temporary, and Yoshimi, wherever and however presented, is irrefutably sublime. [Paul Mitchell]