Flame Drop is a Swiss duo consisting of Felix Waldispuehl (drums, piano, keyboard, percussion) and Roland Hegi (guitars, bass, keyboards, synths) are mostly instrumental and to my ears give off a space rock vibe. Beyond Cosmic Infinity is their second release and in listening I do hear various influences. Using space rock gives you a general idea, atmospheric synths, and piano create a bed of music that opens the doors for guitarist Hegi. I like the guitar tone on this album, tracks like "Astral Projection" show Flame Drop can successfully integrate heavier elements. You might not expect to hear the name Genesis as a comparison, but about 3 minutes into this song, you'll hear it too! An uplifting lead guitar outro provides the finishing touch. The unison guitar/keyboard lines during "Wonderland" is something I'd like to hear them do more of, and you get a good dose of ripping guitar. "The Cosmic Silence" is a nice mood setter, but also an example of where songs can go on a bit too long, and sequencing it in front of the mellow "Legacy of Dreams" takes some of the wind out of their sails on the second half of the album.
I will admit to a few hairs (off the few I have left) standing at attention during the slide guitar and piano that opens "The Great Beyond". I'd be lying if I didn't say this is an obvious tip of the cap to Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky". Throw in the background talking and the female vocalizations of Jessy Howe and maybe this is a little too close to home. I'd like to hear more of that uptempo interplay featured in "Wonderland" sprinkled throughout these songs to counter the atmospheric moments.
Track Listing
1.The Beginning
2.Astral Projection
3.Wonderland
4.Ascending
5.The Cosmic Silence
6.Legacy of Dreams
7.The Great Beyond
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