There’s something oh-so-comforting about the continuing presence of Gong. The most whimsical of all the prog bands (which, in itself, is no mean feat), Gong exist in their own unique world and provide a form of musical escapism that is increasingly essential in a world that has become somewhat fraught.
The band’s seventeenth full-length outing (which is to say nothing of the myriad digressions and side projects), Bright Spirit arrives at exactly the right moment to remind fans that there is hope out there – you just have to look a little harder these days.
The album opens with the ten-minute Dream Of Mine, which traverses similar sonic territory to Banco De Gaia’s Last Train To Lhasa, the band exploring Middle Eastern-tinged soundscapes, shot through with elements of angular prog that are at least on nodding terms with King Crimson. It’s a surprisingly dense opening, spread over the course of ten minutes, and it shows that Gong have lost none of their power to surprise the listener. With psychedelic vocals and a sense of wonder permeating the entire track, Dream Of Mine is a truly marvellous return to the world of Gong, and it sets up this endlessly fascinating album perfectly.
Following Dream Of Mine is no easy task but the surprisingly nimble instrumental Mantivule takes jazz as its starting point and then cross pollinates it with elements of ambient and even (whisper it) metal, creating a beguiling piece of music that seems to beckon the listener ever deeper into a realm entirely of Gong’s making, before briefly savaging you with a surprisingly gutsy riff.
With two such remarkable pieces opening the album, The Wonderment could just as easily be Bright Spirit’s unofficial title, as it surely applies to the remarkably broad array of sounds that Gong explore across the course of the record. Filled with rippling ambience, it gently edges its way into the listener’s consciousness before drifting off into early Floyd territory complete with a dreamy vocal that recalls the majesty of Meddle-era Rick Wright / David Gilmour harmonies. It’s really rather lovely.
The journey into the unknown continues with the lush, warm Stars In Heaven, which offers languid instrumentation and a melody to die for. Short, memorable, and infused with the pop sensibilities of a bygone era, it’s a gem that paves the way for the Eastern-tinged Fragrance Of Paradise. Redolent of exotic spices and beautifully played, it’s a richly textured piece of music that draws the listener into a world of brightly dyed fabrics, heavily scented incense, and understated majesty. Reminiscent, at points, of early Genesis and Caravan, it’s typical of Gong to bring together such a range of influences and to so do with a sense of innocence and wonder that is entirely beguiling.
The short, sweet Relish the Possibility is a mini-psyche treasure, complete with flute and trippy percussion, that somehow leaves you feeling better about the world around you. It leaves album closer Eternal Hand to bring this journey of the imagination to its end. With atmospheric sounds swirling around a simple guitar motif and a lovely central vocal, it gently eases the listener back to a world that somehow feels less empty, even if leaving the warm environment that Gong have created does leave you feeling slightly bereft.
I was surprised by just how immersive Bright Spirit proved to be. I’ve long known Gong as psychedelic voyagers, but there’s something in this album that proves particularly compelling. From the beautiful production, which is as rich and warm as a recently drawn bath, to the exquisite musicianship, it’s a vibrant and endlessly captivating piece of work that just brightens your mood as soon as you hear it.
Overall, Bright Spirit is a beautiful, beautiful piece of art that stands as one of the most wonderfully evocative albums that Gong have ever produced. 10/10
