Flaming Lips announce new album with Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett references
Psychedelic Oklahomans The Flaming Lips are ready to deliver their latest sonic journey with The Teardrop Throbs, their 17th studio album and the first release since 2020. Released via Third Man Records on January 22, the new work marks a significant moment for the band, especially following the departure of longtime members Michael Ivins in 2021 and Steven Drozd three years later.
The album itself is a rich tapestry of sound, built upon a foundation of shared creative energy. It was produced by the band alongside Taylor Johnson, Dave Fridmann, and Scott Booker, with further production contributions from Jon Fridmann and Mike Fridmann, ensuring the sonic landscape is as unique as the lyrical content.
At the heart of the album is the single God Will Control The Werewolves. This track is more than just a song; it is a charmingly surreal origin story, rooted in a simple moment of childhood adventure. Lead frontman Kevin Coyne shared that the inspiration came from playing hide-and-seek with his boys, Bloom and Rex, as the evening sky turned dark. They were captivated by the full moon, which inspired a wild expedition to the seabed and an imaginative deal with mythical creatures.
Coyne recalls the moment of reflection that birthed the song. While hiding, Bloom wondered if the werewolves would find them, leading Coyne’s whimsical declaration that God would control the werewolves for a little while. The sound of the music, he noted, reminded him of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon, complete with Syd Barrett in the mix.
Beyond the standout single, The Teardrop Throbs offers a diverse listening experience, featuring tracks such as Titan, Every Teardrop Cried, Hooray, and the playfully philosophical Instructions On How To Draw An Eyeball Or How To Deal With A Loved One Who Is Addicted To Drugs. It is an exploration of memory, mythology, and the strange realities of the human experience.
The Flaming Lips will celebrate this new era with a series of live dates across the UK and the US in January, February, and April. Fans can catch the band in five different cities—Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and London—as they perform unique shows throughout the spring.
The Teardrop Throbs is available now for pre-order.
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