At almost an hour, The Flaming Lips’ fourteenth album Oczy Mlody goes for at least 20 minutes too long. That’s not to say a long record is necessarily a bad thing, it’s more that there are far too many meandering moments on the album that could’ve been cut down.
The record shows promise with the titular opening track, which is a delicate and ambient instrumental that features some interesting beats that build. How?? has lead singer and band ringleader Wayne Coyne musing in a typically abstract manner, while Sunrise (Eyes of the Young) is an obvious standout for its cinematic structure.
Nigdy Nie (Never No) is around the time the band lose the listener with the repetition of the track becoming quite self-indulgent. This seems to be the biggest impression the listener gains until long time friend Miley Cyrus joins them for We A Family, conjuring Jesus and spaceships to close out the album.
Overall Oczy Mlody doesn’t feel as though it goes anywhere or has much to say. While The Flaming Lips’ prime is definitely over they’re still managing to remain mind-boggling and that’s probably all we can hope for them now.
By Holly Pereira
