Search - Flying Lotus :: Cosmogramma

Continuing to push the realms of possibility... one head nod

Scott D. Gribble | Baltimore MD | 05/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't think its fair to review and rate an album such as this after only one day's listen... it's simply too dense. However, I can't help but offer my initial impressions to those of you still debating or waiting to get your copy.



While Los Angeles has its roots still sample based Hip-Hop, had dashes of Trip-Hop and Electronica, Cosmogramma goes beyond the far reaches of any boxed genre I can think of. The closest I can relate it to is avant garde jazz w/ some futuristic head nodding space grooves. A feeble attempt at classifying something that could very well be a considered a new genre. I know it's been said before about some of his work, but now so more than ever does FlyLo make that argument legit.



What I'm not struggling with is the pure genius that bleeds through the speakers in many of the small moments. The first couple of tracks didn't leave a huge impression on me, but as with the last LP, helps set the stage for stronger cuts like "A Comic Drama" and "Zodiac S*!!". Both are your "typical" solid FlyLo tracks. At that point the album could have coasted and probably still have been a solid 3rd album effort... but all of a sudden we get the intense build of "Computer Face//Pure Being" kicking it up notches beyond dope. The Nintendo generation will have shades of "Mega Man" esq loops interlaced and woven all throughout the track. Never missing a beat from thereon out, the album is loaded with those "holy s$!!" moments of musical ecstasy and you find yourself lost. From the head jerking "Recoiled", the interlocking drums on "Arkestry" to the woozy groove and lush strings of "Do the Astral Plane"; I find myself torn: drawn to each song in its own right and yet never fully being able to commit to a strong favorite above the rest. The sublime "German Haircut" is another blessing w/ Ravi Coltrane providing smooth Tenor Sax to the mix. Heavy synths and keys on "Dance of the Pseudo Nymph" require as much deep concentration as it does a mandatory nod of the skull. All the way up until "Galaxy in Janaki" (which also stands out as an epic symphonic conclusion to the performance) this piece of music captivates your attention and commands your eardrum. I will say that the vocal performances to me are not as tight as on LA, but it may be because the production simply overwhelms them here. I find myself clinging to the harps, strings, bass cords and yes... the table tennis match instead of vocals by Thundercat and the return collaboration of Laura Darlington. Even the welcome appearance of Yorke seems to serve its purpose as better exposure for FlyLo as apposed to actually adding the significant value you would think. Not to say that these players don't bring anything to the table. They are merely servants to FlyLo's bag of tricks, rightfully never able to wrestle the beat away from his control. He creates a beautiful canvas of sound that seamlessly moves from neck breaking to deeply satisfying grooves. Before you know it, you're constantly skipping back to pick out your favorite moments, only to vanish again in the overall flow of the album. Call it blasphemy, but Cosmogramma gives me the same feelings I got when I first heard Endtroducing... back in late '97; an album where I'm still trying to peel back all the layers even today.



There is still plenty I need to digest here, but my initial feeling is that I will love this album for years to come. Those wanting more of the same FlyLo might find their boundaries being pushed forward into unexpected realms of musical imagination. Although I am hesitant to award any fresh purchase high praise before experiencing its long term enjoyment... right now this has me in a strangle hold.

(9/10)"

Fresh & Deep

J. Daher | brooklyn, ny United States | 05/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Others have already talked about the richness of ideas in this disc. I will say this: I liked Los Angeles fine, but I was not particularly taken by it. It had some standout moments and was very cohesive as a piece, but it could just as well become wallpaper music. Cosmogramma can't be ignored. Works like Radiohead's Kid A or Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam took the sounds of their times and blended them in such a fresh way that they forged a sound that was not heard before in that configuration. It may be too early to tell but this disc sounds like that to me."

Getting Better

E-CLoud | 05/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard some people say this album is Flying Lotus' least accessible album and others say it's his most accessible album. I don't really know. I do know that this album had much more work put into it and you can tell. I love albums where you can consistently hear new things in the music each time you listen to it, and this is one of those albums. It has the usual Flying Lotus synth sounds, 8-bit sounds, ever changing drum beats, solid bass, weird unidentifiable sounds, occasional vocals, etc.... but I LOVE the addition of the live bass guitar, harp, and strings scattered throughout. He definitely imitates the Alice Coltrane sound on two songs, and they are beautiful nonetheless. The difference between L.A. and Cosmogramma is like the difference between Miles Davis' In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew. Cosmogramma is like a rocket launch into new territories, utilizing new instruments and a more cacophonous approach, much like Bitches Brew did. It's a great album, and it helps if you are into some of the "cosmic jazz" influences like Alice and Sun Ra. Flying Lotus is headed in the right direction, exploring anything his imagination conjures up, and I hope he goes further."