Flaming Lips

If you were ever taken to a West End show or even a panto as a kid, you probably remember that feeling when you left the theatre. It was as though you'd been transported to a distant world where you'd seen magical things without the need for a fur coat or a wardrobe and you would spend the next week saying, " I liked it when."

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When you go to gigs these days, you usually see a bunch of chaps with guitars doing rock 'n' roll type things and coming out with rebellious/right on stuff to stir the audience. BUT, if you've seen the Flaming Lips play since the release of they're oh-so-underestimated "The Soft Bulletin" you completely re-capture that wonderful feeling that they have taken you to a magical place, all just for you. Forget Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips are the svengalis of this game.

On stage, Wayne, Steven and Michael are accompanied by a back projection/backing track which ranges from freaky Bunuel/Dali-esque images to daft looped movie clips. They're on the largest stage imaginable, but they are surrounded by a set up that isn't big enough for any of them to dance around in. It feels a bit like you're watching a live-action TV. Funnily enough, this cosy little scene works. Most songs they play are from 'The Soft Bulletin', with 'Race For The Prize' and 'Waitin For A Superman' clear favourites. Songs are enhanced with Wayne's theramin and gong (yes, gong) expertise and the little crowd of people that left their reserved seating to stand by Wayne's feet in front of the stage, gaze up at the wondrous sight.

Never a band to spoil anyone's night out, they ensure that the old favourite "She Don't Use Jelly" is given all the majesty it deserves by lobbing a few hundred balloons across the seated audience. Even with all this, you'd think the night had been pretty special, but the piece de resistance came with the looped film of Judy Garland in her ruby slippers and a dreamy version of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'.

Mummy, can we go again?

FUTURE GIGS