Hot on the heels of their stunning 2023 debut Flow, which I had allotted full marks (a Rogue rarity with debut albums) , as it was a masterful display of innovative instrumental prog, this talented Swiss duo now returns with another masterpiece! Roland Hegi and Felix Waldispuhl sent me this fresh off the presses sophomore disc and it has arrived in my player ! The combined talents of these gifted multi-instrumentalists raises the bar of their craft by leaps and bounds, a definite force to be reckoned with. There is a definite cosmic theme that has always been cherished in the prog community, escapism in our turbulent world is a surefire panacea! The seven tracks presented form a complete sonic voyage and has the sole intention to take the weary listener far from the daily negative routine and boldly go beyond earthly limitations.
As befits any astral trek worthy of its name, it all starts at liftoff, “The Beginning” launches a gently symphonic, string laden electronic groundswell that sets the controls to the heart of space. An ideal introduction to the longest piece here a 15 minute + epic ride , “Astral Projection” establishes a pressurized vibe, complete with driving rhythmic propulsion (Felix certainly understands overdrive!), which suddenly is flung into interstellar WARP speed accelerations with resilient keyboard colorations, ravenous guitar shapes and an optimal bass directive. The restrained ebb and flow (wink to their debut) of multiple dreamy contrasts illustrates the grandiose variety of space, with bubbly electronic sequences, ambient flutters and staggering rippling effects, a contemplation of the inclusive splendour of the cosmic realm, the synthesizers becoming symphonic, the tempo reverential. When Roland flips the switch on his electric guitar, he peels off a sublime solo that urgently scours the stars, a moment of giddy bliss, gliding into the far corners of the universe of the mind.
Unsurprisingly “Wonderland “ beckons over the stark horizon, a revelatory piece of electric guitar impressions, bathing in the luxuriance of synthesized orchestrations, the pulse utterly seismic as Felix displays his ‘chip on the shoulder’ polyrhythmic skills, leading into an extended Hegi synth solo that dazzles long into the night. The melodic qualities are immaculate and emotionally charged, a quality this duo own in spades. .
Felix presents his piano skills (not surprising, as the instrument is technically percussive in nature) on the ambitious “Ascending” , the Swiss surely know something about climbing elevations, their beloved Alps being replaced here by interplanetary formations on the outskirts of the galaxy. The arrangement contains vigorous elements of effort, combined with pauses of reflective achievement, once gain directed by infinitely appealing melodic leitmotiv progressions.
Clocking in over 11 minutes, “The Cosmic Silence” reverts to more empirical interpretations of sound, the acoustic guitar taking the lead in caressing the soul with its usual grace, decorating a sonic landscape with dreamy fulfillment, swivelling and trilling synths enhancing the atmosphere. There is a remarkable patience shown in the unhurried exploration of innermost emotions, sweetly crying flickers from the guitar electricity that only adds to the thrill of it all. Spectacularly beautiful, a distant reminder of Caravanserai period Santana, in terms of emotional connection.
Topping that last track may be insurmountable , but our valiant Helvetians carry on irresistibly with their space travel on the historical “Legacy of Dreams”, NASA voice effects and Felix’s piano ruling the day, long enough to introduce Roland’s quivering axe flurry, thundering yet elastic, maintaining that long tradition of courageous exploration. A perfect intermission as the astronaut duo settle the score with another massive finale, that will stamp multiple punctuation marks and the full 5 stars on this magnificent sonic space lab.
“The Great Beyond “ is what hopefully awaits all living creatures who have managed their partial or complete life cycles and discover what lies beyond the pale. The piano skills shown by Felix continue to impress, a solemn vessel for a reflective look back at one’s path and a glimpse into what waits in the unknown. The soulful lamenting voice from guest Jessy Howe exhibits all the emotions of a lifetime, from sorrow, regret and pain to gentle surrender and ultimate acceptance. As such, it owes a great deal to its divine inspiration: Clare Torry’s eternal vocal on “the Great Gig in the Sky”, surely one of the finest musical moments ever recorded. Jessy can now claim second place. Its now Roland’s moment to shine like a crazy diamond on this fretboard, peeling of an extended solo that exudes all the feelings expressed on this track, let alone the entire production. The symphonically ambient and plaintive outro seals the O-ring deal on this magnificent album, surely among the very top of 2025 releases, and most definitely a band with a wonderful future.
I thought Flow was outstanding, but this is ‘one giant leap for mankind’. Check out the videos they have created for every title on You Tube, simply amazing.
5 Galactic infinitudes
