The Flaming Lips and Prefuse 73
Flaming Lips/ Prefuse 73 EP

Far be it from The Flaming Lips to ever shy away from experimentation or a good cause. Wayne Coyne and company have been releasing frequent collaborations throughout 2011, and May’s offering is a 12”, psychedelically-colored vinyl that, as of yet, is only available at Guestroom Records and to stream online.

Intrigue is certainly the key to this release. The first track, amusingly titled “The Super Moon Made Me Wanna Pee!!!,” is a piece of noise-drenched chaos. Synths, drums, and percussion clatter together to create an aural assault that’s as other-wordly as the name indicates.

“Heavy Star Moving…” is atmospheric and slow, creating a decidedly dreamier sound. Acoustic guitar and hushed vocals make for a beautiful track with lullaby potential.

“Be That…That…That…” shows off Prefuse 73’s production skills. The distortion seems to wrap around Coyne’s voice rather than overpowering it, and the result is an artificial soundscape that holds together in the midst of its own fuzziness.

“Guillermo’s Bolero” is a sprawling, stunning instrumental that seems like something to come from the minds of Mogwai or Explosions in the Sky. It’s a poignant end to the EP and a demonstration that The Flaming Lips and Prefuse 73 alike are masters at their art, capable of pushing boundaries or reigning in impulses.