Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

A psychedelic other-worldly vibe permeated the Lower Dauphin downtown area of Mobile, AL on Thursday night, just two days after the conclusion of the weeks-long celebration here in the birthplace of Mardi Gras. The Soul Kitchen Music Hall would try to contain the high energy and massive presence of the Flaming Lips as they made their first appearance in the Port City; and based on social media photos of the load-in, it was clear the band brought all their toys for the Mobile show. The evening began with Memphis-based psychedelic rockers Spaceface, a band that brought plenty of energy and a bright exciting light show to the stage. They put forth a full set of great music that was ethereal and dreamy, while still hard rocking. The percussion held solid ground and allowed for fluid exploration amongst the guitars and keys; the intensity of sound and light was perfect to prime the crowd, and the audience seemed to really dig the Spaceface set.

The audience roared in welcome as the Flaming Lips emerged onstage, opening their set with a melodic and intense song that hadn’t been played live since 1996, “Placebo Headwound”. A colorful fringed curtain of lights dangled in front of the band, while a second light curtain was strung at the back of the stage in front of a large collection of corralled silver mylar balloons. Throughout the night, the visually stunning and surprising elements would compliment and contradict the musical journey. During the dark and twisted “The Terror”, at the apex of the song a giant burst of rainbow confetti rained down upon the outstretched hands of the crowd. After a crazed “Psychiatric Explorations of the Fetus with Needles”, Wayne Coyne brought out a giant inflated sign that said “F**k Yeah, Mobile!” and passed it out into the crowd (I wonder where it went??). In one of the biggest audience participation moments, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Part I)” had some good karate-chop action, as well as singing along. Following Yoshimi with “In the Morning of the Magicians” was a lovely throwback to the band’s 2002 album, and was well received.

The evening would include a pleasant variety of feeling and pace, with the Lips keeping things interesting all the way through. “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate” featured Steven Drozd’s gorgeous guitar inducing a dreamlike trance, and “Vein of Stars” brought a bittersweet yearning towards joy. Meanwhile “The W.A.N.D.” rocked hard, and “What Is The Light?” brought high energy delight. There was a giant smiling sunshine onstage, a spaceman made an appearance, glittery silver confetti was thrown around, and all the while the musicians crafted a set of whimsical beauty. Wayne Coyne even succeeded in fitting his giant inflated sphere inside the music hall, and within his bubble, he walked over the crowd’s eager hands. The double encore of “Do You Realize?” and “A Spoonful Weighs a Ton” sealed the deal and stretched smiles across the room.    

It truly was a full-fledged Flaming Lips concert experience; and whether the fans were wearing street clothes, or alien wigs and space capes, the music delighted them all. Many thanks to the Soul Kitchen for bringing a band of this magnitude and showmanship to downtown Mobile; and many thanks to the Flaming Lips for bringing their vibrant, effervescent, one-of-a-kind musical celebration to Mobile!

Click for Full Photo Gallery of The Flaming Lips 

Click for Full Photo Gallery of Spaceface