Gong - I See You (2014)

The enduring legend that is Gong - multi-National, multi-dimensional Psychedelic combo - enters yet another new phase on their four-decades plus journey with I See You, a brand new album to be released on the Madfish label. The current incarnation of Gong comprises vocalist / lyricist Daevid Allen, who, even at the age of seventy-five, still radiates an incandescent creativity, the original anarchic vibe that was born out of counter-culture revolution in the Paris commune in 1968. His co-conspirators on I See You comprise Orlando Allen on drums, new guitarist Kavus Torabi (formerly of The Cardiacs) and the latest guitar incumbent in a band whose ranks have included the likes of Steve Hillage and Mark Hewins, horn player Ian East 'Wind', sinuous bass propulsion provided by Dave Sturt (the sonic manipulator), and Brazilian Fabio Golfetti who weaves his own lysergic patterns on guitar. This collective create an impressive, multi-layered and irrepressible sound that creates its own world and then populates it with a series of dazzling musical gems, melodically-rich, lyrically engaging and musically refreshed. I See You is both timeless and timely, a welcome antidote to an increasingly homogenised musical mainstream. Tracks such as This Revolution, a spoken piece which name checks Gil Scott-Heron and picks up on the vibe of his 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, articulates the kind of concerns and theories that have always inspired Daevid Allen and informed the Gong worldview, contrasts with the ferocious inter-stellar Funk of You See Me, which is sure to be a live favourite. Thank You is a heavy slab of Psychedelicised Blues, whilst Shakti Yoni Dingo Virgin is a moody, melodic instrumental piece that serves to illustrate the immense musical firepower and musical diversity that lurks within the current line-up of Gong. I See You will be released in a media book format with a 28 page booklet featuring lyrics and track notes from Daevid Allen.

TRACKLIST
01. I See You
02. Occupy
03. When God Shakes Hands with Devil
04. The Eternal Wheel Spins
05. Syllabub
06. This Revolution
07. You See Me
08. Zion My T-Shirt
09. Pixielation
10. A Brew of Special Tea
11. Thank You
12. Shakti Yoni & Dingo Virgin