Since the late ’60s/early ’70s. the France-based Gong has delivered a string of psychedelic and progressive-styled music that incorporated the sound of jazz, wrapping it all up in the tasty sandwich of Rock. Beginning in 1970 with Magick Brother, Gong gave the world nine studio sets before disbanding (they would regroup later for more), not counting the soundtrack in 1972. Today, Gong contains no original members from their beginnings, but, like Tangerine Dream today, can still effectively deliver excellent music for their namesake. Sadly, both Daevid Allen and Gilli Smith are both gone from us. Others, like ex-bandmates, Steve Hillage, and Bill Bruford have their own long-running legacies, as well as Didier Malherbe, who while still with us, has other interests.
On March 13, this iteration of Gong will release their next album – Bright Spirit. This new album will feature several long-form tracks and will tally up to seven songs. Two of those tracks, “The Wonderment”, and “Stars In Heaven” are currently released and can be heard below. Bright Spirit is meant to conclude a trilogy that preceded with The Universe Also Collapses (2019), and Unending Ascending (2023).
Bright Spirit will be released via KScope Records and will be made available on CD, DD, and two editions of vinyl that include standard black vinyl LP and a Limited Edition turquoise-colored vinyl LP. You can order at this provided link.
Bright Spirit – Gong
01 Dream Of Mine
02 Mantivule
03 The Wonderment
04 Stars In Heaven
05 Fragrance Of Paradise
06 Relish The Possibility
07 Eternal Hand