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 2 double vinyl version (gatefold). Meanwhile Flame Dream started to reissue their LP's on CD. Here is the reissue from their fourth record, released in 1982. The line-up featured Pit Furrer (drums and percussion), Urs Hochuli (bass, guitars and bass pedals), Roland Ruckstuhl (piano, organ, keyboards, sequencer and vocoder) and Peter Wolf (voice, flute, saxophones and percussion). To be honest, I needed a few listening sessions to get into this album, because it sounds pretty derivative (UK, Genesis, Kayak, Yes) and the band easily switches from symphonic rock to melodic rock (close to AOR), I also miss a guitar player. But gradually I started to appreciate the music, the melodic and accessible compositions are tastefully arranged featuring strong vocals, a pleasant keyboard variety and a powerful and dynamic rhythm-section. Blackmail. First a UK (Danger Money era)-like synthesizer intro, then a catchy mid-tempo beat and a swinging bass, joined by Max Werner (Kayak) inspired vocals (with some vocoder), it sounds like Neo-Prog with pleasant shifting moods and breaks. The instrumental Dancing Into Daylight features a catchy beat, topped with sparkling synthesizer flights, Styx come to my mind. Supervision. It starts with a slow rhythm, then tight drum beats, soon blended with a powerful bass, saxophone and brassy synthesizers, I notice here nice musical ideas. Halfway inspired Kayak-like vocals, ominous keyboards and saxophone, the music contains tension, a fine bonus. Signs Of Solitude. The wonderful first part delivers soaring keyboards and tender vocals, then a slow rhythm with emotional vocals, blended with orchestral keyboards. Halfway a sensational break with growling bass and organ solo (Eddie Jobson sound), culminating in sumptuous outburst with strong vocals and synthesizer runs. Tragedy. This dynamic track contains a dreamy atmosphere with melancholy vocals, piano arpeggios and mellow flute. The music turns into a compelling climate, embellished with wonderful vocals and subtle synthesizer work, between dreamy and bombastic. In the end a moving guitar solo (one of the few, by the bass player). Time For A Change. A mid-tempo beat with powerful bass and catchy synthesizer runs, then again a Kayak-like sound. Next a swirling Hammond organ solo, backed by a dynamic rhythm-section and an interlude featuring flashy synthesizer runs, culminating in a spectacular synthesizer solo with use of the pitchbend button, wow. Woman's Art?. A slow rhythm with inspired vocals and soft synthesizer runs, the sound strongly evokes Wind & Wuthering Genesis. And finally the 3-part epic Paradise Lost. Part 1: Arrival. This contains spacey synthesizers and dreamy vocals. Part 2: The Attack. Then a powerful and catchy sound, strong work on drums and bass, the UK hints are obvious (especially Eddie Jobson his Yamaha CS80 sound), what a dynamic symphonic rock sound, this is Flame Dream in full splendour. Part 3: Finale. In the end spacey organ and synthesizers, Eela Graig from Austria comes to my mind. The music turns into a slow rhythm with dreamy piano and vocals, to me it sounds compelling and dynamic, again featuring tension, finally a moving guitar solo (this song sounds like the earlier track Tragedy). ***+ Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
