Flame Dream is a Swiss prog band that was founded in 1977 and released six albums between 1979 and 1986, not only in Switzerland but also in Germany, Italy, and the UK, with a significant number reaching Japan in real time and gaining a following. In 2024 the band released a new CD (digipack) entitled Silent Transition (see review), in 2025 followed by a double vinyl version (gatefold). Meanwhile Flame Dream started to reissue their LP's on CD, here is their debut album from 1979. Gate To Calatea - First a swinging sound featuring saxophone, guitar and Mellotron choirs, turning into a mellow atmosphere with Kayak-like vocals and electric piano. Halfway the distinctive swinging clavinet, in a mid-tempo beat. Then a powerful sound with rock guitar and a propulsive rhythm-section, topped with sparkling flute. Finally back to the sound of the first part, what \ pleasant and dynamic music. Survey From The Summit - It starts in a slow rhythm, embellished with soaring Hammond organ (reminding me of Tony Banks), flute and moving electric guitar. The English vocals contain an obvious accent. Next a swinging break with synthesizer flights, fuelled by a tight beat. In the end a fiery guitar solo and powerful saxophone play. Volcano - This epic composition features the band in its full splendor, the hints are obvious (from Genesis to King Crimson and Kayak) but I notice lots of interesting musical ideas and strong work on guitar and keyboards, backed by a dynamic rhythm-section. First a sparkling Grand piano intro, then a King Crimson-like rhythm featuring sensitive electric guitar, Banks-like synthesizer flights and vocal harmonies. Halfway a break, culminating in a compelling sound and fascinating interplay between Mellotron choirs, flute and electric guitar. Then a slow rhythm with moving electric guitar, soaring Hammond and swinging clavinet. The long final part delivers a tribute to the instrumental part of The Cinema Show, but with a fine own touch. Pyramids - This track alternates between a swinging rhythm with saxophone, electric guitar and piano interplay (in a jazzy climate), a mid-tempo beat with pleasant English vocals and saxophone, and finally mellow featuring bluesy electric guitar, a sparkling electric piano solo and a sensational synthesizer solo with pitchbend, backed by a dynamic rhythm-section. These are good musicians, not virtuosic but playing very tasteful. Apocalypse Of Sounds - It starts mellow with dreamy flute and piano (early Genesis), what a wonderful interplay. Then a strong build-up with guitar, flute, and Mellotron choirs, and a hypnotizing rhythm-section, wow! Next a church organ sound and flute, soon joined by Grand piano and flute, like the intro. What a tension in the music. In the end again flute and Grand piano, a beautiful conclusion. Gate Out Of Calatea - Lots of shifting moods and breaks in this strong final composition. From a swinging rhythm featuring Hammond runs (evoking Rondo by ELP) and propulsive rhythm-section to sparkling piano, blended with the compelling sound of King Crimson. From powerful vocals and saxophone in an early King Crimson climate to folky with flute and interplay between flute and a church organ sound. In the second part the music builds from dreamy with Mellotron choirs to a slow rhythm with bluesy guitar and soaring flute, and finally bombastic featuring a majestic church organ sound, synthesizer flights and Mellotron choirs, topped with moving electric guitar, wow! **** Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
