Coming out of Oklahoma, the Starlight Mints are about as quirky as a band can get. From the throaty vocals of frontman Allan Vest to the extensive use of unconventional instruments, it’s easy to make the assumption they are trying to be original in the shadow of another unusual Oklahoma-based band, The Flaming Lips. However, as long as they keep their focus on general weirdness, they keep themselves in the Lips’ shadow. I get the impression that their intent was for a comparison to be made: “Holy crap, did you hear about that cutting-edge band from Oklahoma? They are, like, the next Flaming Lips!”

With that said, the Mints’ upcoming release, Drowaton, is a testament to the fact that weird can be good. The album does not depart much from their first two releases, Dream That Stuff Was Made Of (2000) and Built on Squares (2003), which relied heavily on broad tonal palates and melodies that feel almost as nonsensical as their lyrics, but the formula works fairly well for them, so why change it up now?

The variety in the band’s orchestrations make possible many different musical textures, often within the same song. The melodies are unpredictable and sometimes infectious (i.e. the zany, whistled line of “Torts” or the awkwardly phrased hook to “Eyes of the Night”). The lyrics aren’t as story-based as they are image-based: “This cookie monster’s in the kitchen / He keeps you nervous, like screaming motorcycles.” Fun stuff.

While the large array of sounds keep this album interesting, they may also cause a listener to become overwhelmed. Sometimes less is more. But I do not suggest that the Mints change, I suggest that you take this album in small doses at a time. If devoured all at once, it may be hard to swallow.

Look for Drowaton in stores in April.