Gong est Mort?
Gong are back with a new album I See You, the follow up to the excellent 2032 and they're undertaking a couple of album launch shows as a result. Things are a little different this time round however as frontman Daevid Allen and his son Orlando are missing from the line up as Daevid recuperates from cancer treatment. As you might expect, many are not sure what to expect without the presence of the charismatic Allen, plus of course there is no Steve Hillage or Gilli Smyth - probably contributing to the reduction in crowd numbers from their triumphant Academy 2 shows a couple of years back.
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The current line up is led by guitarist and vocalist Karvus Torabi (Cardiacs, Knifeworld) and he is clearly delighted by the opportunity. Whilst markedly different from Daevid Allen he displays the same enthusiasm for the material and perhaps more importantly, also has that crazed and quirky element to his performance that is so integral to Gong. The sound is not great at the start and the heavier sections in particular come over sounding very harsh. It does get better later and Academy 4 is one of those venues where the sound varies wildly depending on where you stand.
Any preconceived ideas that tonight was going to feel a bit like a Gong tribute show without Allen are quickly dispelled. The band are quite superb tonight, every odd time change, every sax solo and every guitar break is perfectly handled. Encouraged by Torabi the crowd help out a lot on vocals and there is a real feel of celebration about the whole event. The set is a great mix of old and new and the uninitiated would be hard pressed to tell which was which, a further testament to how good the new album is. Oily Way sits comfortably alongside the fabulous groove of The Eternal Wheel Spins and the sonic attack of Occupy. The usual psychedelic visuals of pixies and all things mind blowing work really well in this low ceiling venue and really add to the overall feel of the show. There is a freshness and a vibrancy about Gong tonight that drives the whole set and it puts a smile on everyone's face.
The encore of Dynamite leaves with the crowd firmly acknowledging the part they have played in maintaining the ongoing legend of Gong. Tonight surpassed all expectations and laid to rest any fears that may exist about Gong continuing, with or without their main man.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 1 available.