Gong: I See You

As I sit and type this review I cannot help feeling nostalgic and just a little sad. In case you have been out of the loop, front man Daevid Allen has been dealing with a very serious health issue as of late. All I can say is my thoughts and prayers are with you brother. The history of legendary space rock/psychedelic/Canterbury pioneers Gong is a complex one and I will not address that here except to say various incantations of the band have been around since Australian guitarist Daevid Allen formed the original version way back in 1967. He was a member of Soft Machine at the time but couldn't return to the UK because of visa issues so remained in France and the roots of Gong took hold.

It is hard to believe so much time has passed and even more remarkable how the band has been able to keep it together and release I See You, a fantastic platter of spacey psychedelic rock that is really a feast for the ears.

The title track begins with a quirky Allen narrative, dissonant sax stylings and a cool beat leading to tripped out musical explorations and droning lead vocals all in the space of three and a half minutes. How cool is that?

"Occupy" is heavier psyche/jazz flavoured heavy rock with saxophone workouts veering in multiple directions. The music calms and the sax becomes much more tasty and melodic before the speedy tempo returns and a frenzied soundscape ensues. Then, slower parts are inundated with dream-like spacey guitar textures.

"When God Shakes Hands with the Devil" features a Crimsonian riff pattern and a fluid bass line snaking through the soundscape while "The Eternal Wheel Spins" hearkens back to late '60s Floyd with its spacey guitar work and psychedelic vibe.

"Syllabub" begins with weird effects and vocalizations before breaking into Tull-like flute patterns and frenetic sections of pure chaos. The mellower parts are languid and melodic almost having a Beatles feel.

"This Revolution" is a patented Allen narrative with unsettling ambient effects and waves of glissando guitar. It is here Allen reinvigorates his hippy/political idealism.

One of my favourites is the ten plus minute "Thank You" where the guitar chords burst with energy and the melody is positively addictive as Allen gives thanks to the people he has worked with throughout his musical life.

I See You is an excellent album in the tradition of some of Gong's finest works. If this is indeed Allen's last album, he will certainly leave a void that cannot possibly be filled. Released on Madfish Music.

Track Listing:
1. I See You (3:33)
2. Occupy (2:54)
3. When God Shakes Hands with the Devil (5:40)
4. The Eternal Wheel Spins (7:04)
5. Syllabub (4:32)
6. This Revolution (3:50)
7. You See Me (2:40)
8. Zion My T-Shirt (6:18)
9. Pixielation (4:42)
10. A Brew of Special Tea (1:22)
11. Thank You (10:35)
12. Shakti Yoni & Dingo Virgin ((9:30)

Added: March 1st 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2173
Language: english

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