A Psychedelic Vocal Rollercoaster
"Flash Delirium" is a standout track from MGMT's 2010 album Congratulations. It is a deceptively tricky song that moves from detached cool to chaotic desperation. Structurally, it avoids the standard verse-chorus loop, instead evolving into a rapid-fire, punk-inspired outro.
To sing this well, you need versatility. You must master the relaxed, almost bored delivery of the verses, the precise falsetto of the chorus hooks, and the sheer stamina required for the ending.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Over-Sing the Verse
The verses ("Mild apprehension...") require a flat, conversational tone. Our analysis shows users lose points here by adding too much vibrato or emotion. Keep it deadpan.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:45)
The song begins in F# minor. The vocal delivery here should be nonchalant. Andrew VanWyngarden keeps his larynx neutral and volume low. Focus on the lyrics "Mild apprehension" and "the plants are bending," keeping your diction clear but your tone relaxed.
The Trap: It's easy to go flat here because the energy is low. Ensure you are supporting your breath even though you are singing quietly.
Phase 2: The Falsetto Hooks
When the line "Flash delirium" hits, the melody jumps up. This requires a smooth transition into your head voice or falsetto. It shouldn't sound powerful; it should sound eerie and light. The harmonies here are complex, so listen closely to the top line melody.
- 66-55 Red Battleships: This bridge section builds tension. Start adding more chest resonance here to prepare for the ending.
- Why can't you stop: Keep the rhythm tight. The instrumentals become chaotic, so your vocal timing must be the anchor.
Phase 3: The Manic Outro (3:20 - End)
This is the hardest part. The tempo accelerates and the vocals turn into a shout-singing style. The lines "Sue the spiders, sink the Welsh" are delivered rapidly.
To survive this section without losing your voice, use diaphragm support to push the air, rather than squeezing your throat. You want a "yell" quality that resonates in your mask (face), not a scream that scratches your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While the range isn't extreme, the stamina and rhythmic precision required for the fast-paced ending make it a "Hard" difficulty song.
The lead vocal hits an F#5 in falsetto, but the chest/mix voice generally stays below A4. The challenge is the speed, not just the pitch.
Practice it slowly at 50% speed in the Singing Coach AI app. Focus on the consonant articulation. Once your tongue muscle memory is set, speed it back up.
