Flickering like this usually occurs when the controller and lights are not using the same ground.
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Bingo! Feeling a bit stupid for missing that but thankfully that was the issue and now everything is working perfectly. Thank you.
I primarily use 2811's and my first projects were very susceptible to RF noise. It took me a month to figure that one out.
Don't use cheap-ola power supplies and wall worts from unknown past gizmos. (But even the simple Chinese metal boxes off amazon work) And by all means keep your phone away from your project. It took me ages to associate a text message to static.
And add a capacitor to filter out power noise. That was a big one for me.
Double check settings, pins, and use a level shifter if you need a signal boost. I sacrificed one LED attached straight on the board to bump the pin output from 3v to 5v.
That seemed to do it for me. Good luck!