Some bands are simply one of a kind and find a way to take you on an epic journey. LAST FLIGHT TO PLUTO is one of those bands. Although technically a Prog Rock band, this quintet move through genres, styles, vibes and influences a lot, covering everything from 80's Pop-Metal, Synth-Rock, Electro-Pop, Shoegaze, Alternative Rock, Indie Pop and even touch on Rap. Although extremely different in sound, they reminded me of DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA in the "everything goes" approach, while taking a more cohesive and less gimmicky route.

"A Drop in the Ocean" is the second album by the band, but honestly, this British group certainly are extremely competent, and sound as if they have been doing together for decades. This sophomore effort follow 2015 debut "See You at the End".

Album opener "Masheena" begins with sci-fi sounding synths, some drumming building up tension, Pop-Metal inspired power chords and a little bit of organ soloing. Alice Freya's vocals enter the song a little over the minute mark, accompanied by a lonely, echoey guitar, giving the song a sudden Indie Pop vibe. Vocal harmonies abound, bringing to mind bands like THE CARPENTERS or FLEETWOOD MAC. After a PINK FLOYD-esque interlude, the song takes a left-turn and gets into jam mode, evoking the sound of "Yes Album"and "Fragile" era YES, with funky basslines, extra percussion and weird synths.

Although every other track follows a similar eclectic approach to songwriting, the band manages to never sound like copycats, and most importantly, show a clear voice and vision in their work. They are bold and eager to experiment.

Closer "Supergirl" is a clear example of how audacious this young band is. Starting with an R'n'B and Trap-inspired section, it throws you off completely as you would never expect something like this. The "line it up" kind-of-chorus that gets repeated a couple of times wouldn't feel that out of place on the radio. At two and a half minutes, Freya gets to rap a little over Hard Rock riffing and weird synth sounds. This is just a little of what happens in the longest song of the album, which clocks in at a little under ten minutes.

Single "Coverland" gets an extended, two-minute longer version on the album, and the extra minutes really add to the track. At moments it's "Echoes" by PINK FLOYD as if written by RUSH, yet the interplay of male and female harmonized vocals gives it a distinct feel. The singing gets quite aggressive, even anthemic at points, showcasing the powerhouse that Freya can be. More RUSH inspiration bleeds through "The Kings Are Dead", which also manages to throw together a dark, DEPECHE MODE-esque vibe and Hair Metal guitar work, both lead and rhythmic.Jay Lewis Kreft bass shines on this groovy track.

"Time & Love" puts the electronic influences on the forefront with its programmed percussion at the very beginning of the song, as well as a lovely, atmospheric Electro-Pop breakdown at 2:25 minutes. Some reverb-drenched guitar work provides Alternative Rock affectations, while the vocal harmonies get into FLEETWOOD MAC territory once again and Darren Joshep's drumming pays homage to Nick Mason on the last third of the song. Meanwhile, "Morning Glow" threads in Shoegaze-y, MY BLOODY VALENTINE-esque sections, soulful vocal harmonies, some Frusciante - like guitar solos and even an acoustic guitar-and-recorder passage that brings to mind "Stairway to Heaven" even if it does not sound like the LED ZEPPELIN classic at all.

LAST FLIGHT TO PLUTO achieves something quite rare on "A Drop in the Ocean", making their influences quite clear without sounding as if they are simply retreading the same ground. In a way, their approach is similar to that of Steven Wilson's solo work, but it sticks to the eclecticism of the more accessible Avant-Garde bands like the aforementioned DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA.

The album has gorgeous production, the songwriting is top-notch, the musicianship and vocals are impeccable, and you will find yourself humming to the catchiest sections of this album with just a couple of listens.  This is an unexpected masterpiece for sure. Keep an eye on this band; even if they don't seem like your cup of tea, they are worth a try.