Cosmogramma

Flying Lotus
Cosmogramma
7.9 out of 10

Los Angeles, Flying Lotus's last release, was one of my favorite cds a couple of years ago. It was dense and cinematic and was unlike anything I had heard in years. It was the type of music that you could play behind silent images of Blade Runner and it would fit perfectly. Flying Lotus now releases the follow up Cosmogramma and I have to say I am a bit lost for words on it. I want to love it, Lord knows I certainly respect the hell out of it, but there is something about it that fails to take hold in me. Perhaps I need more time to absorb it? Perhaps it is me that is flawed in this case?

As a complete work, Cosmogramma is phenomenal. FlyLo knows how to weave his themes and melodies throughout to create a wonderous whole. But there is just no piece that stands out to me. I listen to it repeatedly and enjoy it while I am with it, but the moment it is off, I forget it. If only there had been a distinct track on par with "Parisian Goldfish" or "GNGBNG" I would likely feel different. Even the major collaboration with Thom Yorke is frustratingly opaque. I do give FlyLo props for not making Thom front and center of the track, only using his voice as another element of the song.



I also like the use of odd percussion, as with the ping pong balls in "Table Tennis."



So you may ask yourself, why, after all these complaints, does he still give it such a high score? Good question. I have too much respect for FlyLo and the artistry and care in which he created Cosmogramma. I even saw his live set at Coachella and it was completely brilliant. I just wished there was something else to the cd. It almost rides a flat trajectory. I had hoped for more.