The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse – The Armory – Minneapolis Mn – August 15th, 2025

The Flaming Lips-Modest Mouse-The Armory-Minneapolis Mn- August 15th, 2025

PRESENTED BY The Current, First Avenue, & Jam. The Flaming Lips-Special Guest Modest Mouse, Friko.

Review and photos by Brian Underhill

My lips are on fire — and not just metaphorically. This was the third show under my new publication, and without hesitation, I can say it was the best one yet. After three years of covering concerts, the journey has had its ups and downs, but this night felt like a rocket ship heading straight up. The Flaming Lips / Modest Mouse 2025 Tour landed at The Armory, and it was nothing short of a technicolor explosion of sound, emotion, and spectacle.

Friko, the indie rock outfit from Chicago, kicked off the night with a genre-blending set that fused noise pop, chamber pop, and Midwest indie grit. Their energy was infectious, and the Minneapolis crowd gave it right back. You could feel the mutual love between band and audience — a beautiful exchange that set the tone for the night.

Three tracks stood out and turned me into a fan on the spot:

• Chemical
• Choo-Choo
• Crashing Through

If you haven’t heard of Friko yet, now’s the time. They’ll get you off your seat, cutting a rug, and grinning ear to ear.

Next up: Modest Mouse. Their set was a masterclass in production — vertical light bars, strobes bouncing off the walls, and motion par lights that turned The Armory into a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. It was intimate and explosive all at once. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a Modest Mouse fan before this show. I’d heard a couple of songs, but this was my opportunity — not just to photograph and write, but to discover. And discover I did.

Their setlist was stacked, and included:

• Float On (the crowd went wild)
• Dashboard
• The Stars Are Projectors

There were moments of quiet introspection where the crowd stood still, singing along in unison. It was powerful. I left their set wondering why I hadn’t been a fan all along.

Then came the headliners — The Flaming Lips. This was my first time seeing them live, and now I understand why people say, “You just have to see them.” Their set was a full-blown sensory overload in the best way possible. After a lengthy set change (worth every second), the band emerged to thunderous applause. The LED wall behind them exploded with visuals — silhouettes of fireworks, surreal animations, and lyrics for singalongs. Inflatable robots danced on stage, giant confetti-filled balls bounced through the crowd, and air cannons showered fans in a blizzard of color.

Standout tracks included:

• Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 & Pt. 2
• Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
• Five stop Mother Superior Rain

Their music was a blend of dreamy melodies and rock-and-roll chaos. Like Modest Mouse, they knew how to balance high-energy anthems with moments of pure sonic beauty. This show was a celebration — of music, of color, of connection. Three incredible bands, each with their own style and soul, delivered a night that fans will be talking about for years. Huge thanks to The Armory, The Current, First Ave, and Jam for making it all happen. As I pack up my camera and notes, I’m already counting down to the next show. If this is what going “up” feels like, I’m ready for the ride.