SILENT TRANSITION

Yes, Switzerland is a prog country! You don't believe me? Try Clepsydra, Dawn, Deyss, Galaad, Metamorphis, Shakary (today's outfits), or Brainticket, Circus, Mainhorse (featuring Patrick Moraz, no less!) if you prefer 'old' bands, to quote but a few. I enjoyed especially Flame Dream. Not only because of their poetic name which has no relation with Tangerine Dream. But because of their sound: a stress upon keyboards (always melodic and often melancholy), syncopated rhythms (a very dynamic and complex rhythm section), wind instruments (flute and sax). And featuring a Gabrielish singer. Founded in Lucerne, in 1977 the group disbanded in 1986. Flame Dream recorded six albums by the end of the 70's and at the beginning of the 80's and developed a symphonic prog somewhat similar to Genesis (keyboards, vocals and flutes) as I said, with influences of Van Der Graaf Generator (dark climates and sax) and Gentle Giant (syncopated structures) especially on the first three discs. Note that American guitarist Dale Hauskins participated on "Out in the Dark", their third album (there was no guitar on the first records). They signed for a major, Vertigo, and got a professional production but paradoxically were never distributed abroad except Italy and Germany (and under the name of Travaganza in UK!). The first and second album were produced by the band while the following ones were produced by John Acok (see Steve Hackett). Does this explain why the music became less prog and more pop oriented all along the years, following in a way the general fashion? I don't know. But this should not be a reason why their albums were never reissued on the CD form. While prog fans are still waiting for these CDs reissues, Flame Dream surprise them with an unexpected come back! Thirty-eight years after! With a fabulous record linking with the best of their career: listen to the gorgeous 'Winding Paths' epic for instance with its welcome Genesis echoes. 'Signal on the Shores' is shorter but an instrumental gem too. Yes, this is a sudden and excellent return? Welcome back then... waiting for the CD reissues!