THESE were not normal guys from normal families - you're talking about freaks."

So says former Flaming Lips manager Michele Vlasimsky - and he should know.

One of the most distinctive bands to have emerged in recent years, The Flaming Lips really took the listening public by storm last year with their sci-fi flavoured album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

Overflowing with the Lips' trademark whimsy, and featuring songs on subjects as diverse as human mortality and, rather more bizarrely, the danger posed by pink robots, it was a major chart hit and received widespread radio airplay.

Somewhat in the grand tradition of 70s rock, the psychedelic indie-rockers - led by the irrepressible Wayne Coyne - have forged a reputation for innovative stage shows that complement their intriguing sound with some suitably stunning visuals.

The Lips have proved a major hit on the live circuit, and made one of their most memorable appearances at the T in the Park festival in Scotland last summer.

Stepping in at the last minute as a replacement for the White Stripes, the band proved to be one of the most memorable acts of the day - aided by Wayne making his on-stage entrance smeared in fake blood.

If the band seem to be making the most of their commercial and critical success, perhaps it's because they've lurked in relative obscurity for such a long time.

Formed in 1983, the Lips have been through many changes of style over the years, taking in everything from punk to death rock.

The Flaming Lips play Bournemouth International Centre on 24th October. Tickets: £17.50. Box office: 01202 456456.